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Dhoni - Boundary Lines

Actor - producer Prakash Raj's maiden venture as a filmmaker in Tamil - 'Dhoni' has finally hit the screens amidst much anticipation. The very title may arouse curiosity for it is named after Team India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Cheers to Prakash Raj for taking a sensitive issue and dealing it with conviction. The film talks about parental pressures on children and discusses whether today's education system is a boon or bane for students.
Dealt from the point of view of a middle class family, the movie takes a closer look at how every anxious father runs behind money to get his ward educated. In trying to be too caring, he fails to recognize the extra talent present in his child and makes him/ her a slave to books and notebooks.
In this clich�d commercial cinema, films by producers like Prakash Raj are whiff of fresh air. His Duet Movies has won the distinction of making different films within commercial ambit. Joining the list of some innovative attempts from his hut is 'Dhoni'. With handful of characters he has managed to come out with an engrossing entertainer.
Subramanaim alias Subbu (Prakashraj) is a middle class father of a daughter and son Karthick (Akash). Subbu showers all love on his children. Though he is a government employee, he does other works like selling pickles and ensures his children study in one of the best schools in the locality. While his daughter lives up to dad's expectations, problems begin with his son.
Karthick wants to become a cricketer. He fares badly in his examinations as his heart and mind are behind bat and ball. He is inspired by Mahendra Singh Dhoni and wants to become one like him in life.
One day Subbu is summoned by Karthick's school teacher. He informs of their decision to detain him in ninth standard since he fares bad in examinations. An annoyed Subbu chides his son and slaps him. Unfortunately the boy sustains serious injuries and falls into coma.
Now the dotting father slowly realizes his folly. He understands that rat race for marks; grades had made him a beast. He decides to make his voice felt against the system of education which makes children a slave to books.
The rest is about whether Subbu manages to bring a change on the whole in the system and get his son back from coma and pursue what the boy wanted.
Prakash Raj combines both the hats of director and actor exceedingly well. With his natural dialogue delivery and amazing screen presence, he brings a middle class father living on hopes well before our eyes. For a versatile actor like him, doing such roles is sure a cakewalk.
Akash, son of Tollywood director Puri Jagannadh plays an adolescent child possessed by cricket fever. He does his job in an engrossing manner. Actors in the cast like Radhika Apte, Nasser, Brahmanandham, Chaama and Thalaivasal Vijay. Each have a part to play in the script. They have got under the skin to perform their best. Prabhu Deva appears in a cameo.
Giving life to 'Dhoni' is Ilayaraja. His meaningful background score provides right pep to the proceedings. It strikes our soul instantly. The songs too bear a typical Ilayaraja stamp evoking right emotions in the serious script. KV Guhan's cinematography captures the proceedings at leisurely pace. His camera speaks a thousand words.
All said, 'Dhoni' preaches the need of the hour. This Prakash Raj's film has set the ball rolling on a fresh debate on our education system. 'Dhoni' is a refreshing change in hero-dominated bastion. Let's welcome the change!
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