Toolsidas junior may be yet another addition to the list of predictable sports drama following a common template. But where this movie works is that deviates from the usual path and it connects well with the viewers.

Toolsidas, a snooker player in a club and an alchohol addict has a bad habit of losing to Jimmy Tandon in Finals. Will he be able to overcome it ? Or is there any twist in the tale?.

The most important positive of this movie is the path chosen by writer (Also the director and the boy in real life) to reach the destination. We never see the rise of Tulsidas senior. We see him play fantastic shots, love and show care to his little son ( For instance: Asking him to wear a full Pant saying that he is a man). We also see how alchohol plays villain in his life. But this movie is more about the rise of Tulsidas junior and the siblings relationship with love and fight. Midi- Goti (brothers) scenes are delight to watch.

Then comes the mass entry of Salam Bhai (Sanjay Dutt). He rarely talks to anyone and carries a pain of his own past. Initial buildup helps the viewers to keep invested. Writer gives the required technical detailing of the game in a simple way. Core story may remind us of other underdog sports drama (may be Jhund) but writer makes the journey more enjoyable with his detailing.

Though enters late, Sanjay dutt carries the rough and tough Salam bhai with an impactful performance. Look out for the scene after walkover match and his conversation scene with Toolsidas junior’s mother. Rajiv kapoor puts up measured performance with minimal dialogues and facial expressions that speak volumes. The boy who played the title character too made the transformation of the character look authentic.

Background score played a major role in uplifting the impact of many scenes, especially Humour scenes. Cuts were pretty decent. The only letdown was the climax. It seems that writer ignored the conflict towards the end.

Despite the predictability and not that convincing climax portion, Toolsidas junior works primarily because of the light hearted narration and the fantastic performances. This movie deserve better viewership for sure.

Watch link: https://www.netflix.com/in/title/81107547?preventIntent=true