'Unbroken: The Unmukt Chand Story' Movie Review: Raghav Khanna’s brilliant direction narrates triumphs, setbacks & determination

Director: Raghav Khanna

Cast: Unmukt Chand, Simran Khosla, Om Prakash

Unbroken: The Unmukt Chand Story, directed by Raghav Khanna, is a heartfelt documentary that chronicles the life and career of one of India’s most promising young cricketers. Born in Delhi in 1993, Unmukt Chand’s journey is a blend of extraordinary triumphs and challenging setbacks. The film captures his rise to fame as captain of the India U-19 team that clinched the 2012 World Cup in Australia, with Chand’s match-winning century in the final against the hosts becoming a defining moment of his career. Labeled as the “next Virat Kohli,” his early success fueled expectations of a bright future in Indian cricket, leading him to represent Delhi in domestic tournaments and play for IPL teams such as Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Daredevils.

Yet, the documentary does not shy away from the struggles he faced. Despite his undeniable talent, Unmukt found it difficult to cement a place in the senior Indian team. The weight of expectations, coupled with inconsistent performances, resulted in several career setbacks. In a surprising turn, he retired from Indian cricket at just 28 in 2021, choosing to pursue opportunities abroad. His move to the USA, where he continues to play in local leagues and Major League Cricket, is portrayed as a testament to his resilience and undying passion for the sport.

More from Entertainment

'Jugnuma' Movie Review: Manoj Bajpayee, Deepak Dobriyal, Tillotama Shome’s terrific performances stood out in this beautifully restrained way of storytelling ‘Real fight’ is between Karisma Kapoor and Priya Sachdev: Sunjay Kapur's mother's lawyer says in HC: 'Rani Kapur does get impacted by it but...'

From a technical standpoint, Khanna’s direction is both effective and unobtrusive. The film skillfully integrates archival match footage, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and intimate family interviews, which provide emotional depth and context to Unmukt’s story. His parents and close relatives share candid recollections of his early struggles and triumphs, adding a personal and relatable layer to the narrative. The editing is crisp, ensuring smooth transitions between career highlights, personal anecdotes, and reflective moments, while the subtle background score accentuates both the highs and lows of his journey. Several nostalgic moments stand out, allowing viewers to connect deeply with his story.

Overall, Unbroken is an inspiring watch that goes beyond cricket. It highlights not just Unmukt Chand’s talent, but also his perseverance, courage, and ability to reinvent himself in the face of setbacks. Raghav Khanna’s sensitive direction makes the film relatable and moving, appealing to sports fans and general audiences alike. By focusing on the journey rather than just the records, the documentary reminds viewers that success is often measured by resilience, determination, and the lessons learned along the way. Unbroken is a tribute to chasing dreams, embracing challenges, and never giving up, making it a truly motivational experience.

Rating: 3.5 (out of 5 stars)

Unbroken: The Unmukt Chand Story is releasing on 12th September