StandBy - Bollywood's own 'Amadeus'

At the core subject level, 'Standby' is pretty much a follow up to the classic 'Amadeus', though with a twist. In the Hollywood classic it was the case of a student surpassing his master when it came to the art of music, 'Standby' is about a rift developing between two friends when a youngster with limited resources (Adinath Kothare) moves up in the ladder before the other (Siddharth Kher) who is far more influential and affluent. Even as the latter tries to pull him down at every step, the former - oblivious to his conniving deeds - continues to stay steady and trust his friend to the fullest. However 'Standby' is not just about two friends. At the core of it, the film basically talks about how politics, media and money form a nexus in the game of sports. Football forms the backdrop of 'Standby' where Adinath is selected as the captain of the national team while Siddharth finds himself as a reserve - a 'standby'. Even as Siddharth's businessman dad (Dalip Tahil) pulls strings by bringing together a Minister (Surendra Pal), Head of selection committee (Avtar Gill) and a local coach (Nagesh Bhonsle), it isn't quite an easy going for him with the national coach (Manish Choudhary) foiling their plans. With twists and turns at various junctures, 'Standby' explores politics and conniving minds in the business of sports to result in an engaging affair that turns out to be a nice little surprise which can be given a comfortable watch. It isn't a comfortable beginning for 'Standby' though. The initial portions move ahead at a snail's pace even as the story starts becoming way too predictable. However the film picks up pace once the list of players is announced. Number of sequences stand out here like the one where zone politics comes into play followed by Siddharth's name featuring only as a standby to the ones where Avtar Gill and Co. try to buy out the other players. However what stands out amongst all is the one where Adinath is hurt by a minor injury. The hospital sequence soon after that is not just well narrated but also showcases Adinath's skills as an actor. The second half continues to maintain a good pace and though it does dip again along with the entire Sachin Khedekar episode where the entire politics around sports becomes way too ugly, a couple of sequences leading to the climax where Adinath realises Siddharth's deceit and takes him on the footfall field are done well. One would have wished though that the canvas was much bigger for all the football matches that are shown on the screen. Another pain point in the film are the song and dance sequences that have been unnecessary fitted into the narrative. Whether is it the 'chess song', the one featuring all footballers ready to take on the challenge or the item song around the pre-climax, none of them add any value whatsoever to the film. Yes, Hazel Croney sizzles as an item girl but that could well have been for some other film. In case of 'Standby', these 15-20 minutes appear to be wasted time more than anything else. Nevertheless, what keeps the interest level up is a good act by Adinath and Siddharth. Adinath makes a fine debut and looks and behaves the part. Siddharth gives a solid impression of someone who has been born with a silver spoon in his mouth. You have zilch expectations from Standby. Right from the title that hardly conveys a point to the poster that doesn't even show a face to the credit details that don't reveal any known names to the music that has not been heard at all to promotion that has been non-existent to the release which has been unsung - just everything about 'Standby' seems to be pretty much conspiring against it's very self. And it due to these very reasons that whatever one ends up seeing in 'Standby', it turns out to be a pleasant surprise.