Cast: Prasanna Bisht, Vikram Kochhar, Harshad Shinde, Maan Singh Meena, Ratan Lal, Jyoti, Pragya Mishra
Director: Swatantra (Savi) Goel
Language: Hindi
Archery is a game that has not been handled in Hindi cinema as far as sports movies are complexed. We have seen cricket endless number of times and even football and hockey. But Archery is something the nation is not aware of as much as they should be. It’s a game that requires tireless spirit, focus, and determination. And you need all the three qualities when you make a film on this game. That’s precisely why India Pride Imli – The Archer Review is a film that manages to stand out purely because of the theme it dabbles with. A sport that needs more attention than it gets. It’s a film that stars Prasanna Bisht, Vikram Kochhar, Harshad Shinde, Maan Singh Meena, Ratan Lal, Jyoti, Pragya Mishra.
Vikram Kochhar in particular, has always been a fascinating actor. He is easily one of the most underrated talents that we have. And it’s good to see him in more films of late. He stood out in Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki despite sharing screen space with a stalwart like Shah Rukh Khan. But he’s just a part of the story because the heart lies somewhere else. The story is about a girl named Imli played superbly by Prasanna Bisht. And given her name is that, she’s bound to go through some bittersweet experiences and emotions in her roller coaster life. She’s spotless when it comes to her aim, but then life happens.
The other thing that stands out in India Pride Imli – The Archer is how the plot makes time for Imli’s personal emotions. She’s in love. And even though she works tremendously hard to make her nation proud, she makes time for herself as well ala Fatima Sana Shaikh in Dangal. We also get the politics of sport when a minister pressurizes the character of Kochhar to give extra time to his son. After all, he has to land a job via a sports quota.
A Story of Hope and Dreams
“India Pride Imli – The Archer” is not just an ordinary sports drama. It is a heartfelt story. It speaks of courage. It speaks of determination. It speaks of the power of dreams. The film is written by Savi Goel. It is also directed by Savi Goel. This Hindi film travels from the quiet villages of India to the grand stage of national-level competitions. At its center is Imli. She is a young tribal girl played beautifully by Prasanna Bisht. The girl discovers her special gift for archery even without formal training.
Prasanna Bisht gives a sincere performance as Imli. She shows innocence. She shows dedication. She shows fierce determination. She makes the character real. Vikram Kochhar plays Coach Iyer. He brings warmth and depth. His bond with Bisht adds emotion to the film. The supporting cast adds strength. Harshad Shinde, Maan Singh Meena, Ratan Lal, Jyoti, and Pragya Mishra make the story feel authentic.
Themes and Messages
What makes this movie special is its heart. “India Pride Imli – The Archer” goes beyond sports. It celebrates hope, equality, and dreams. It tells parents to support their daughters and reminds children that no goal is too distant if they have courage and commitment. Programs like Khelo India are subtly highlighted as tools that can change young lives.
The movie celebrates rural India. It shows real strength in simple people. It shows strength in those with big dreams. It feels fresh and different. It breaks away from usual city-based sports dramas. Watching Imli rise from her small village to represent India feels inspiring and deeply emotional.
It’s not just about an archer’s journey. It is about every little girl who dares to dream. Savi Goel’s film inspires. It honors India’s unsung talents. It reminds us the nation’s spirit lives in villages. It lives in its people.
Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)