Potential game-changer but misses the mark
Three players, three different timelines, and a single aim. To make it big and represent the country but its not easy to override destiny and achieve one’s dream. Loser portrays stories of three aspiring sportspersons who not only play the game to perfection but also fight against the oncoming adversities. Some win and some lose but they teach valuable lessons.
Story
Suri Yadav (Priyadarshi) in 2007, is an ace rifle shooter who earns his livelihood by doing odd jobs as a painter. He aspires to be in the National shooting squad and to ensure his selection, he has to get money to import a gun required for the competition. After facing many hurdles he succeeds in getting money from an unexpected source, Ruby (Kalpika Ganesh) who wants to see him succeed.
A young Ruby (Annie) in 1993, belongs to a conservative Muslim family and dreams about becoming a national badminton player. However, she is not supported by her father Irfan (Sayaji Shinde). Ruby who reaches the threshold of getting selected for the national squad concedes defeat by losing to Krishnan (Viren Thambidorai) and ruins her dreams.
Wilson (Shashank) in 1985, is a fiery fast bowler who dreams big of making it to the Indian cricket team. His aggressiveness off the field and his irrepressible temperament take him nowhere and turn him into an alcoholic. As a result, his family life turns into shambles, making him a total wreck.
The three have the same dream. But everyone faces their own set of demons and in the end, success is not guaranteed.
Performances
Priyadarshi, Shashank, and Sayaji Shinde who are familiar to Telugu viewers are above any critics’ judgment or certification. They have already carved a niche for themselves with their performances, irrespective of any character. Hence, there is nothing new to mention about their acting skills as they have once again proved their mettle.
Annie as young Ruby has done total justice to her role. Kalpika Ganesh, who plays an adult Ruby too has done a commendable job.
Positives
Loser’s central theme comprising of three sportspersons from different fields and different eras is quite novel and possess all the required elements to be a masterpiece. The writers, Sai Bharadwaj, Shravan Madala, and Abhilash Reddy have done exceptionally well in conceiving a story with appealing content.
The way the whole story is calibrated by director Abhilash Reddy deserves special mention as it’s not an easy task to represent three timelines with three different personalities. The transition between years and the use of different color palates to switch narratives are an indication of his potential as a creative director.
Negatives
Overall, the wow factor is missing. Loser’s plot moves at a leisurely pace in a set groove without any excitement whatsoever. Sports dramas are not new and athletes facing humiliation and rejections have already been shown in many films and biopics earlier. Even the drama around sexual harassment depicted in Loser is clichéd and devoid of any freshness.
Above all, the romantic angle between Suri and Pallavi is pointless and fails to sustain interest. These are a few aspects that affect the novel storyline from being an outright winner.
Worth it?
Even though the plot is wasted potential, there are some touching emotional scenes that really strike a chord. Loser has some remarkable performances by the lead actors which makes it a worthy watch.
