Abhinay Deo’s Doosra brings together two very different stories through an interesting docu-feature format. One revisits India’s unforgettable 2002 NatWest final victory under Sourav Ganguly, while the other follows Tara (Plabita Borthakur), a young girl trying to break free from society’s restrictions. The idea is to connect India’s fearless attitude on the cricket field with a girl’s determination to stand up for herself. While the concept is promising, the film struggles to give both stories equal importance.
Cricketing nostalgia becomes the real hero
Tara’s journey has emotional moments, and her struggle is relatable. However, the film’s biggest strength turns out to be its cricketing backdrop. The footage of India’s historic chase, the memories of the NatWest final and Ganguly’s famous shirt waving celebration at Lord’s bring back emotions that remain powerful even today.
The impact was visible during the preview screening, where India’s match winning moment received whistles and applause. Interestingly, it is this familiar sporting victory that creates a stronger emotional connection than Tara’s fictional journey.
Tara’s emotional journey needed more attention
The film attempts to draw a parallel between Ganguly challenging established cricketing conventions and Tara questioning the restrictions placed on her life. The connection makes sense, but its execution feels uneven.
Ideally, Tara’s story should have remained the main focus, with the historic cricket victory helping audiences understand her struggle better. Instead, the equation gets reversed. Her journey gradually becomes secondary to the cricketing nostalgia.
The open ending allows viewers to interpret Tara’s future, but it also leaves her story feeling less satisfying than the sporting narrative.
Doosra review verdict
Doosra deserves appreciation for attempting something different. Abhinay Deo’s intention is clear, and combining a landmark cricketing achievement with a young woman’s fight for freedom is an interesting creative choice.
However, stronger writing and greater emotional depth could have made Tara’s journey more impactful.
The film’s biggest irony lies in its central message. Doosra celebrates the courage to refuse second place, yet its own protagonist ends up playing second fiddle.
Ultimately, Sourav Ganguly and India’s unforgettable NatWest victory walk away with the loudest applause, while Tara’s story deserved a bigger share of the spotlight.
Movie: Doosra
Directed by: Abhinay Deo
Featuring: Plabita Borthakur, Ankur Vikal, Krishna Gokani, Twisha Joshi, Samidha Guru
Screenplay by: Agnello Dias, Matt Graham, Zak Shaikh
Story by: Rohan Sajdeh, Agnello Dias
Edited by: Ayelet Gil Efrat
Music by: Ram Sampath
Theatrical Release Date: 23 October 2026
Run Time: 1hr 18mins
Doosra
