Attempting to make an Indian film on snooker is a risky move. Then a 15-year-old would take on the lead’s role, verging on the absurd. But that is how Toolsidas Junior does it, however. In more than 30 years, Rajiv Kapoor appeared in a feature film for the first time. After his tragic death, it took on much more emotional meaning than his last performance before being taken from us. This is not the only thing that strikes a chord with Toolsidas: A clean, well-executed film that combines the excitement of sports with the human touch.
Filmmaker Mridul’s “Toolsidas Junior,” tells the tale of a father and his son’s shared dreams and aspirations for the future. It is easy to get lost in this 132-minute video about Midi’s transformation into Toolsidas Junior. In contrast to previous sports stories, this one is driven by a young boy’s ambition to accomplish what his father had once yearned for, rather than by demanding parents.
Raajiv Kapoor portrays an ace snooker player named Toolsidas (Rajiv Kapoor), who proudly says that he just plays for his kid. He intends to beat five-time champion Jimmy Tandon in a tournament (Dalip Tahhil). Toolsidas promises his teenage son Midi that he will bring home the trophy this time, but he loses. In order to fulfil his father’s ambition, Midi sets out to learn the game on his own, which breaks the hearts of both him and his partner. The next step is for the youngster to locate a mentor, but he is having a hard time doing so. Because he is under 16, he will not be permitted to train at the same club as his father. The youngster’s passion for the game leads him to join the YMC Wellington club, where he meets previous national champion Mohd Salaam (Sanjay Dutt). What chance is there for Midi in Salaam, who refuses to entertain anybody and who seems impossible to deal with?
Despite its lack of commercial elements—action sequences, massy language, and cheery numbers—this expected sports drama keeps you riveted throughout even without them, thanks to Mridul and Ashutosh Gowarikar (who is also the film’s producer with T-Series). Things go swiftly in Toolsidas’ life in the first half, but the pace slows down after the intermission. ‘Udd Chala Badal Naya,’ an Arijit Singh song, has a relaxing effect and lingers in your mind long after the movie ends.
The characters are immediately recognizable and relatable in the film’s first scene. Varun Buddhadev’s performance as Midi takes centre stage in the film. He gives a heartfelt performance that adequately captures the range of emotions his character experiences.
Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal as Midi’s instructor is riveting. Jaundice (Rajinikanth), Totta (Mithun), and Kaalia (Bachchan) are all given Bollywood makeovers by the trainer. Late Rajiv Kapoor’s last on-screen portrayal as Toolsidas, an alcoholic but a loyal father, shows promise. Despite his brief appearance on screen, he has a significant impact on the story. Goti’s older brother, Chinmay Chandraunshuh, is a constant source of intrigue in Midi’s life. In order to pick between two possibilities, he uses immature activities such as chaddi-throwing (instead of coin-tossing) to infuse some humour into the scenario. It is Dalip Tahhil’s captivating smile that carries the film.
Toolsidas Junior’s honest performances and straightforward narrative are sure to capture hearts and leave you smiling as you leave the theatre.
In the film’s epilogue, you learn that writer-director Mridul Mahendra was the inspiration for the plot (he is credited as Mridul Toolsidas in the end credits). That simply serves to enhance the story’s authenticity and personalization. Two hours of your time is well worth you to see Toolsidas Junior, a sweet and enjoyable film.
The international premiere of Toolsidas Junior aired on Sony Max on May 21, and it will be available to watch on Netflix starting on May 23.
