Watch Selection Day

Selection Day is a Netflix original Indian sports drama series based on Aravind Adiga’s novel of the same name, which premiered on December 28, 2018. The series is co-produced by Anil Kapoor Film Company and Seven Stories, and directed by Udayan Prasad and Karan Boolani. The show is a thought-provoking story of two brothers, Radha and Manju Kumar, who are forced to be trained by their father to become cricket prodigies to eventually represent India in international cricket.

Radha and Manju live in a small town in Mumbai with their father Mohan Kumar, who is persistent in his pursuit of turning his sons into legendary cricketers. The show depicts the struggles and challenges the brothers face as they try to balance their budding cricket careers with their own interests and dreams. Radha is talented and confident, with the natural ability to excel in the game. Manju, on the other hand, is shy, introverted and intelligent. He loves reading and writing, and detests the rigorous training and constant pressure from their father.

The series begins with the family’s preparation for Selection Day, the day when the Mumbai under-19 team picks its new players. The day serves as the ultimate test of the children’s hard work and abilities, and ultimately decides their future in cricket. The story unfolds as the family navigates through the cut-throat world of cricket, and their struggles as migrants in Mumbai. The series not only explores the father’s unhealthy obsession with his sons’ cricket careers and their dysfunctional family dynamics but also touches upon social issues such as corruption and casteism in sports.

The lead casting of Selection Day is well done. Mohammad Samad plays the character of Manju Kumar with perfection. His acting skills accurately portray the character’s reserved and introverted nature. Similarly, Yash Dholye, playing the character of Radha Kumar, is convincing as the skilled elder brother. Mahesh Manjrekar as Mohan Kumar, the brothers’ father, delivers a genuine performance as a father who is singularly fixated on the success of his sons’ cricket careers.

The show is shot beautifully with cinematic brilliance, bringing out the grittiness and beauty of Mumbai in equal measure. The picturesque visuals of Mumbai act as a reminder of the city’s greatness while simultaneously showcasing its complexities. The camera work of the show is also commendable, with various shots taken from different angles capturing the essence of the scene with great accuracy. The background score of the show aptly captures the different moods of the show and adds to the overall drama it aims to build.

The show’s narrative is gripping and keeps the audience engaged throughout. The story progresses in a smooth and subtle manner, shying away from dramatic flare-in-the-moment scenes. Instead, the series presents short, precise dialogues that convey a lot in little words. The show takes the audience through a journey that explores the consequences of familial, societal pressure, and how dreams are often shattered in an environment that thrives on deceit and corruption.

Additionally, Selection Day Thoroughly explores the two sides of Mumbai: the city’s name recognition as the city of dreams, and the darker side that is often neglected. The show captures the lives of Mumbai residents who are differently situated in society, from the slum-dwelling locals to middle-class families. The show offers glimpses of the reality of life in Mumbai that tourists and outsiders don’t usually see, and offers a unique insight into the city’s unknown nooks and crannies.

Overall, Selection Day is an excellent coming-of-age drama, offering an interesting and unique take on Indian sports drama television shows. The series offers a refreshing take on the traditional Indian family approach while keeping viewers entertained throughout its entirety. The show's premise, combined with the exceptional acting, camera work, and storyline, means that it is a must-watch for any cricket enthusiast or anyone looking for an excellent drama.

Selection Day is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between December 28, 2018 and on Netflix