Watch Penalty
- 2019
- 2 hr 8 min
-
5.3 (937)
Penalty is a sports drama movie that revolves around football and caste issues prevalent in India. The story revolves around Lukram Smil, who plays the role of a young Manipuri footballer named Lukram. Despite being highly skilled, Lukram struggles to be accepted by the society and the college authorities due to his ethnicity. The movie is directed by Shubham Singh and stars Kay Kay Menon and Shashank Arora in pivotal roles.
The plot of the movie is set in the backdrop of a fictional college where Lukram gets admitted on a sports scholarship. However, he faces discrimination from his classmates and the college authorities due to his North Eastern background. The college football team is coached by Coach Shankar sir, played by Kay Kay Menon, who is determined to win the national-level championship. However, things take a different turn when one of his players is injured during a game, and Lukram has to replace him.
The movie explores the themes of racism, casteism, and discrimination prevailing in India's educational institutions. Lukram is constantly subjected to racial slurs and derogatory comments by his teammates, who belong to higher castes. On several occasions, Lukram is also subjected to physical assault and is warned to quit the team. Despite all these challenges, Lukram strives hard and puts his heart and soul into the game.
The movie also showcases the stark contrast in the living standards of different college students. While the rich kids play football in the lush green fields, Lukram and his friends are forced to play in an open ground infested with pigs. The movie does an excellent job of highlighting the challenges that students from lower-income groups face in pursuing their dreams.
Another key aspect of the movie is the character development of Coach Shankar sir. Initially portrayed as a stubborn and authoritarian coach, his character undergoes a significant transformation after interacting with Lukram. He becomes more sensitive and empathetic towards the plight of his players and realizes the importance of a team that is united in diversity.
The football matches in the movie are well-directed and keep the viewers on the edge of their seats. The adrenaline-pumping soundtrack adds to the overall feel of the movie. The climax of the movie is intense and will leave the viewers emotional.
The movie's casting deserves a special mention, with Lukram Smil delivering an outstanding performance as the lead actor. He portrays the character of Lukram with conviction and sincerity and captures the essence of the character. Kay Kay Menon, who is known for his intense acting skills, does a remarkable job as Coach Shankar sir. Shashank Arora, who plays the role of a journalist, also delivers a notable performance.
Overall, Penalty is a well-made movie that addresses social issues prevalent in India with sensitivity and awareness. The movie highlights the importance of unity and diversity and is a must-watch for all football enthusiasts. The movie's success is a testament to the fact that Indian cinema is moving towards more meaningful and socially relevant themes.