Cricket dominates sports in India. After that, some people learn about hockey. Some about football. Some even watch Kabaddi. And there are a few others who follow some athletic sports.
But Sumo. Sumo is a sport that is Japanese in origin but didn’t receive much response in India. But an Indian player emerged who somehow created a new dimension in it. And friends, there is this movie based on her story, called Sumo Didi, which we are going to review right now.
Well, friends, this is the story of Hetal Dave, India’s one and only sumo player. We get to see the story of her struggle and how she progressed.
This movie, which is around 2 hours and 10 minutes long, has been released on ZEE5.
If I were to summarise the movie in one line, I would say it’s one of the best biopics. Literally, watching it, I don’t know why my eyes welled up towards the climax.
I mean, you see, we know a lot about cricket. We followed it closely. So, now those things seem normal to us. Even athletes get support.
What Makes Sumo Didi So Special?
But sumo is such a sport that when Hetal Dave came into the game, there was no federation for sumo. Judo had one, but not for sumo, because no one from India practiced sumo.
How did Hetal Dave secure sponsorship back then? How did she make it this far? It’s not as if she just showed up and bam!—won a medal; that’s not how it happened. The struggle, the pain, and the entire web of circumstances she faced the way it’s depicted here is highly realistic.
I mean, I felt very good to see that there was no unnecessary melodrama here because I have seen that mostly in these types of movies there are a lot of emotional scenes and an attempt is made to make you emotional, but here I would say that nothing like that is seen.
The movie seems very grounded. It seems very real and that is why it is able to connect.
There is a scene where Hetal Dave looks at herself in a mirror, a mirror that makes a heavier person appear thinner. The pain visible in her eyes in that moment—what incredible writing!
How Sumo Didi Portrays Failure and Japanese Culture
Meanwhile, the film’s portrayal of Japan and the pride with which it presents Japanese culture is truly commendable.
I initially expected a typical ending where she would win every match with ease. But that’s not what happens and that is precisely the film’s strength. It shows that one must face many failures before finally achieving success.
Sumo Didi’s Message About Sumo Wrestling and Body Image
After finishing the film, I looked into it and discovered that, to this day, there are only two sumo wrestlers from India: Hetal Dave and her brother, Akash Dave.
It is beyond comprehension why this sport isn’t receiving any support.
This movie addresses the topic of obesity, something that often invites mockery in our society, with people frequently pointing fingers and labeling others as “fat.”
However, the film shows how one can turn a perceived disadvantage into an opportunity. It demonstrates that this particular sport is perfectly suited for such individuals; in fact, if the right attention is given, India could produce a great many athletes for this game.
And if you think this is just about being higher weight body, think again. The techniques involved, the rich history of the sport, and the way the gameplay itself is presented it was truly remarkable. Honestly, just brilliant.
Shriyam Bhagnani’s Performance as Hetal Dave
Shriyam Bhagnani, who plays the role of Hetal Dave in the film, has delivered a brilliant performance. There is no doubt about that.
Final Verdict and Rating
Overall, I liked the film I won’t lie. It’s the kind of biopic that offers the audience something different. We’re already familiar with mainstream sports, but there needs to be more awareness about sports like these, so that in the future, India can participate in them and bring home medals. It’s crucial to encourage such sports and the athletes who play them; otherwise, why would anyone take them up? If there’s no recognition, no money, and no fame, why would anyone get involved?
Films like this are essential for providing that encouragement, which is why I’m giving this movie a solid 8 out of 10.
As for parental guidance, there are one or two kissing scenes, but otherwise, there’s nothing vulgar in the film.
So, friends, that’s my take. I hope I’ve been able to express my thoughts clearly.
See you soon
Have a good day