Toolsidas Junior Movie Review: A Heart-warming Father-Son Bond on the Snooker Table

Plot

A young boy Midi (Varun Buddhadev) is adamant to overcome the curveballs life throws at him while trying to restore his father's glory. Inspired by true events, writer-director Mridul’s ‘Toolsidas Junior’ is a simple yet heart-warming story of a father-son bond and their collective life goals. Set in Calcutta of 1994, Toolsidas (Rajiv Kapoor) is an ace snooker player who hopes to defeat five-time champion Jimmy Tandon (Dalip Tahhil) in a tournament. However, he loses the game, which devastates the duo's heart. Midi embarks on a journey to master the game himself in order to fulfill his father’s dream.

Acting

The protagonist, Varun Buddhadev, dominates the film with his impressive act as Midi. He delivers an honest and endearing performance by perfectly evoking the numerous emotions that his character goes through. Sanjay Dutt delivers an enthralling performance as Midi's coach. Late Rajiv Kapoor’s last on-screen performance as Toolsidas, who is an alcoholic but devoted father, is promising. Chinmay Chandraunshuh, as Midi’s elder brother Goti, injects some levity into the situation. Dalip Tahhil maintains the same winning expression throughout the film.

Cinematography

The film includes a healthy dose of 90s nostalgia, right from the subtle Campa Cola product placement to casting Dalip Tahil in a negative role. The writing is crisp, the dialogue natural, and the performances measured.

Direction

Mridul and Ashutosh Gowarikar's screenplay is devoid of commercial elements—action scenes, massy dialogues, and upbeat numbers—as it appears to be unnecessary because this predictable sports drama manages to keep you hooked throughout even without them. The film stays fresh by steering clear of stereotypes and tropes.

Verdict

Making a film on snooker is indeed a brave decision in India. Then to have at 15-year-old play the title role is bordering on crazy. But Toolsidas Junior does both and manages to walk away unscathed. The hallmark of any good sports film is that it shouldn’t be too much about sports. The story isn’t about the sport at all. It is about the bond between a father and his son. Also, it touches a sensitive subject like alcoholism without sermonizing. Toolsidas Junior is a fun, heartwarming film that certainly deserves two hours of your time.