Unmukht Chand's journey: A compelling movie review of a determined cricketer's triumphs, setbacks, and Raghav Khanna's masterful direction.
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"Unbroken: The Unmukt Chand Story" is a compelling and inspirational documentary directed by Raghav Khanna that chronicles the life of Indian cricketer Unmukt Chand, a former Under-19 World Cup-winning captain. The film blends archival cricket footage with intimate interviews to portray Chand's triumphs, setbacks, and resilience as he continues his cricket dream in the USA. It is more than just a cricket documentary; it is a touching account of perseverance, ambition, and the human spirit.

The documentary charts Unmukt Chand's rise and struggles, his early love for the game, the support system that nurtured him, the intoxicating taste of success, and the disillusionment that followed. It explores how fame altered his trajectory, the challenges that led him away from India, and how his family dealt with the highs and lows of his career.

Born in Delhi on March 26, 1993, Unmukt Chand rose to fame as the captain of the India U-19 team that won the 2012 World Cup in Australia. His match-winning century in the final against the hosts made him a household name and raised hopes of a bright future in Indian cricket. Seen as the “next Virat Kohli,” Chand played domestic cricket for Delhi and later for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Despite his early success, Chand struggled to secure a permanent place in the senior Indian team. The film explores the burden of expectations, the relentless media glare, and the struggle to replicate his U-19 success in domestic cricket. The documentary portrays a string of inconsistent performances as the turning point that stalled his career trajectory. Instead of dramatizing these setbacks, Khanna treats them with sensitivity, highlighting Chand's inner battles and moments of self-doubt.

In 2021, at just 28 years old, Chand surprised many by retiring from Indian cricket. Seeking new opportunities, he moved to the USA, where he continues to play in local leagues and Major League Cricket, symbolizing resilience and determination to keep his cricket dreams alive. The latter part of the film traces his bold decision to shift to the United States, embrace Major League Cricket, and keep alive the dream of playing international cricket—albeit for a different nation.

Khanna uses a mix of archival cricket footage, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and family interviews to present Unmukt’s story in a heartfelt manner. The inclusion of his parents and close relatives narrating his early struggles and victories adds a personal layer that makes the narrative more relatable. The editing is crisp, ensuring smooth transitions between match highlights, personal anecdotes, and reflective moments.

"Unbroken: The Unmukt Chand Story" is a compelling documentary that goes beyond cricketing glory to reveal the struggles, fame, and resilience of a player who chose reinvention over regret. It sheds light on the lesser-known struggles behind the sport, tackling themes of ambition, mental health, and reinvention. Even for those not obsessed with cricket, the film offers meaningful takeaways about resilience and life lessons from an athlete's journey. The film is a must-watch for cricket lovers and equally rewarding for anyone who values stories of perseverance.


Written By
Diya Menon is an enthusiastic journalist, eager to contribute fresh perspectives to the evolving media landscape, driven by a passion for sports. With a recent degree in communication studies, Diya is particularly interested in social trends and compelling human-interest stories within her community. She's dedicated to delivering well-researched and engaging content, aiming to uncover and share narratives that resonate deeply with the local population, while also actively following the latest in sports.
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