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Soorma

Name: Soorma
Director: Shaad Ali
Released: 2018
Duration: 131 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2018

PG-13

Director

Shaad Ali

Runtime

131 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Soorma provides a localized, non-Western perspective on athletic achievement. By focusing on a South Asian protagonist and rural Indian settings, it offers a meaningful cultural identity that avoids Western-centric dominance. However, the film adheres to conventional social hierarchies. The narrative emphasizes traditional masculine roles and patriarchal structures, offering minimal subversion of established gender roles or social norms. Ultimately, the film follows a traditional redemption arc. While culturally grounded, it lacks depth in representing neurodivergence, disability, or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities, sticking to a conventional moral framework.

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Category Breakdown

Does Soorma have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on traditional masculine roles within sports. There are no representations of LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Soorma portray gender?

Limited

The story reinforces traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal structures. Female characters are mainly in supportive or domestic roles and have little influence over the main plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Soorma?

Good

The film highlights Indian identity through a predominantly South Asian cast. It presents a localized perspective on athletic success that challenges Western-centric sports biopics.

How does Soorma represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story upholds traditional values related to family honor and social responsibility. It follows a conventional moral framework without questioning traditional institutions.

Does Soorma include disability representation?

Limited

Addiction is portrayed as a personal struggle rather than a nuanced exploration of illness. Characters with disabilities are not given significant roles in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides a strong and authentic depiction of Indian identity and South Asian culture.
Offers a non-Western perspective on excellence and struggle within the sports genre.

Limited or Absent

Female characters lack a significant role in driving the story and are mostly in supportive or domestic roles.
No representation of LGBTQ+ identities or challenges to straight-centered social structures.
Addiction is portrayed as a personal failing rather than explored through a nuanced lens of disability or illness.

Official Synopsis

Soorma, a comeback story of the hockey legend Sandeep Singh is a biopic that chronicles the life and times of the famed hockey player.

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