Watch Budhia Singh: Born to Run

Budhia Singh: Born to Run is a 2016 Indian biographical sports film that tells the true story of Budhia Singh, a boy from the Indian state of Odisha who ran a marathon at the age of four and became the youngest marathon runner in India. The film is directed by Soumendra Padhi and stars Manoj Bajpayee, Mayur Mahendra Patole, and Gajraj Rao.

The film is set in the late 1990s and early 2000s in the poverty-stricken slums of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. The story begins with the introduction of a four-year-old boy named Budhia (Mayur Mahendra Patole), who is abandoned by his mother and left to fend for himself. He is discovered by Biranchi Das (Manoj Bajpayee), a local judo coach who takes him under his wing and raises him like his own son.

Biranchi recognizes Budhia's incredible endurance and talent for running and puts him through rigorous training, pushing him to run longer and longer distances. He decides to enter Budhia in a marathon, despite the boy's young age. Budhia becomes an overnight sensation and attracts national media attention, with people hailing him as a prodigy and a future Olympic champion.

However, Budhia's newfound fame and success also attract criticism and controversy. Many people accuse Biranchi of exploiting the boy for his own gain and endangering his health by pushing him too hard. The authorities intervene, and Budhia is banned from running marathons until he is older.

Budhia's story takes a tragic turn when Biranchi is shot dead by unknown assailants. Budhia is devastated by the loss of his father figure and mentor, and his dream of becoming a great runner seems to be shattered. However, he finds solace and support from his coach's wife (Tillotama Shome) and Gajraj Rao, who plays a journalist investigating Biranchi's death. Together, they fight against the system that has failed Budhia and seek justice for Biranchi.

The film is a poignant and powerful portrayal of the struggle of a young boy from a marginalized community to pursue his passion and escape poverty, against all odds. It raises important questions about the exploitation of children in sports, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and the need for social justice and equality.

The performances in the film are outstanding, especially by the young actor Mayur Mahendra Patole, who plays Budhia with remarkable maturity and sensitivity. Manoj Bajpayee is also excellent as the conflicted and charismatic coach, who believes in Budhia's potential but is torn between his love for the boy and his ambition. Gajraj Rao delivers a nuanced and nuanced performance as the journalist who becomes an unlikely ally to the orphaned boy.

The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and grittiness of Bhubaneswar and the intensity of Budhia's training and racing. The music by Sidhant Mathur and Ishaan Chhabra is evocative and haunting, adding an emotional depth to the film.

Overall, Budhia Singh: Born to Run is a must-watch film for anyone interested in sports, social justice, and human resilience. It is a heart-warming and heart-breaking story that will inspire and challenge you, and leave you with a deep appreciation for the power of dreams and the spirit of determination.

Budhia Singh: Born to Run is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.