Jhund
2022 · Directed by Nagraj Popatrao Manjule
Original language: Hindi
- drama
The story
A retired sports teacher transforms a bunch of teenage slum goons into disciplined football players against all odds.
What it’s like
Handheld, close-in camera moves through dusty lanes and tin-roofed shacks under hard afternoon sun, with the warm ochres and faded blues of a Nagpur slum and the bright green of a patchy football ground giving the frame an earthy, documentary texture. Light is mostly daylight and dust, and the camera stays near its young cast, catching sweat, grime and grins. The soundtrack leans on drums, folk-inflected songs and street chatter in Marathi and Hindi, with quieter stretches where the wind and crowd noise carry the scene. The vibe is warm, scrappy and hopeful, best for a lazy weekend afternoon or a comfort watch when you want something uplifting without being saccharine. Pacing is loose and episodic, with long conversational scenes and sudden bursts of energy during matches and training. The emotional register is earnest and tender: a weary older mentor slowly earning the trust of rough, wary kids, and the bond between them deepening through small gestures. Violence is present but modest, with brief scuffles, petty crime and some rough language, but nothing gory or sustained. It suits viewers who love underdog sports stories, socially grounded drama and performances that feel lived-in rather than polished.
More films like Jhund
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Jhundand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
