Sumo Didi Movie Review: Shriyam Bhagnani Takes On Body Shaming In Powerful Sports Biopic On Hetal Dave

Inspired by the life of Hetal Dave, India's first female professional sumo wrestler, Sumo Didi is a sports drama about overcoming body shaming, gender bias and societal norms. Jayant Rohatgi directed the film, which is about a young woman who refuses to be defined by her looks or conservative family norms. Shriyam Bhagnani is the anchor of the story with a committed performance. She brings in physicality and emotional sincerity to Hetal's journey. There are occasional pacing problems and biopic clichés, but the film's message of self-acceptance and perseverance gives this ZEE5 release an empathetic heart.

Sumo Didi is the story of Hetal's journey from a conservative Marwari household to the demanding world of professional sumo wrestling, set in Kolkata and Japan. While her mother frets about her weight and marriage prospects, Hetal finds solace in a sport that turns a perceived weakness into a strength.

Armed with the support of her father Rajendra, brother Vikku and friend Akshat, she battles discrimination, poverty and the rigours of training in an alien sport. Rather than presenting an uninterrupted series of victories, the film acknowledges defeat and disappointment along the way.

Jayant Rohatgi is relatively restrained, and there is none of the over-the-top melodrama and patriotic grandstanding. The film realises that Hetal's fight is not only about winning medals but also about reclaiming her identity in a society that often judges women on their looks and marriage prospects.

The training montages are among the film's highlights, which do a great job of communicating the discipline and mental conditioning needed for sumo wrestling. Everyday details like awkward marriage meetings and family tensions lend authenticity to the social struggles Hetal faces.

But there are times when the screenplay runs out of steam, particularly in the middle of the picture. Some emotional beats come a bit too quickly, and the familiar sports-biopic structure undermines the dramatic heft of key moments. There are also some artistic liberties taken with Hetal's real-life journey, with the film frequently leaning on cinematic tropes rather than a more detailed exploration of her athletic career.

Sumo Didi goes for a low-key emotional payoff unlike Dangal. This approach gives the story a sense of realism, but it leaves some moments a little short of their full potential.

Shriyam Bhagnani is dedicated and compelling in her role as Hetal Dave. She physically transforms herself, and her portrayal of the wrestler's training suggests that she's put in a lot of work, but it's her subtle emotional work that really gives the character depth. She picks up on Hetal's vulnerability, her determination and quiet defiance, without turning her into a caricature of an underdog.

Chaitanya Sharma as Akshat, Hetal's friend and supporter, brings warmth and humour. Their chemistry is naturally fun and a welcome change from the heavier themes in the movie, even if his character feels a little too cookie-cutter at times for the romantic-drama genre.

Late Nitesh Pandey leaves a touching impression as Hetal's supportive father, Rajendra. Anubha Fatehpuriya plays her mother, worried about social acceptance and marriage, with Raghav Dhir as her younger brother who is happy to support her. Kazumasa Sato's sumo mentor says mental strength is just as important as physical preparation.

Sumo Didi is at its best when it's about Hetal's tenacity rather than trying to engineer conventional sports-movie victories. Its themes of body shaming, patriarchy and female sporting ambition are still relevant and Bhagnani’s performance is the biggest asset to the story.

The uneven pacing, predictable narrative and missed opportunities to explore the athlete’s professional journey keep the film from being a truly memorable sports biopic. But it is still a watchable, empathetic movie for those looking for an uplifting story of overcoming the odds.

What inspired Hetal Dave to pursue sumo wrestling?

Hetal Dave was inspired by her father's dedication and belief in her abilities. He became her coach when she expressed her desire to pursue sumo wrestling seriously in 2008. This unwavering support from her father was crucial in her journey towards becoming India's first female professional sumo wrestler.