Toolsidas Junior 2022
Directed by
Mridul Toolsidas
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
An extraordinary tale unfolds around Toolsidas (Rajeev Kapoor), a brilliant snooker player who plays solely for the sake of his son, Midi (Varun Buddhadev). His journey takes a heartbreaking turn when he loses a major tournament to his long-time rival, Jimmy Tandon (Dalip Tahil). Engrossed in celebration after a hard-fought semi-final victory, Toolsidas succumbs to his weakness for alcohol, leading to his downfall during the finals where he finds himself inebriated after accepting Tandon’s invitation for a drink during a critical break. As a result, he loses the match and even shatters his cue in frustration.
Fast forward to 1994, the spotlight shifts to Midi, who becomes determined to realize his father’s unrealized dreams. His family, which includes his supportive mother, Toolsidas’ wife (Tasveer Kamil) and elder brother, Goti (Chinmai Chandrashuh), is reluctant to foster his love for snooker. Instead, Goti tries to guide Midi towards more lucrative sports like cricket, tennis, or golf, but Midi constantly struggles in these areas. Defying his brother’s wishes, Midi seeks training opportunities in snooker, starting with Mr. Tutu at the Calcutta Sports Club every Friday afternoon.
The Calcutta YMCA, located in a rundown area, becomes Midi’s training ground as he immerses himself in sharpening his snooker skills. Here he meets Mohammad Salaam (Sanjay Dutt), a former champion who now mentors underprivileged players. Although initially reluctant, Salaam begins to recognize Midi’s potential and starts offering him guidance. Through innovative methods that draw parallels from Bollywood hero narratives, they forge a strong mentor-student bond.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including Goti’s opposition and financial struggles, Midi perseveres, even refusing a family vacation in favor of his snooker training under Salaam’s watchful eye. When he encounters Pia (Sara Arjun), his crush from the sports club, her presence adds a new layer of complexity to Midi’s life, yet he remains oblivious to her affection.
As Midi navigates through the ups and downs of his training, he learns crucial lessons about finishing strong, just as he had trouble completing his meals. The story intensifies as he faces his father in a touching semi-final match, gambling on his father’s promise to quit drinking if he wins. Ultimately, through trials, resilience, and strategic naps during breaks to enhance his focus, Midi manages to defeat Tandon in the final, winning not just the tournament but also reclaiming his father’s respect and a sense of legacy.
Though the YMCA closes its doors in 2016, the ambitions kindled within its walls remain alive in Midi, who grows up to write and direct a film that captures this heartfelt journey. The narrative not only emphasizes the father-son bond but also showcases the transformative power of perseverance and mentorship in the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Timeline
Toolsidas's Rise to Stardom
Toolsidas, a talented snooker player, dedicates his entire career to his son, Midi. His passion for the sport allows him to become a prominent figure in the snooker world, garnering respect and admiration.
The Crushing Defeat
After a long and challenging tournament, Toolsidas faces his rival, Jimmy Tandon, in the finals. Overcome by his habit of drinking, Toolsidas loses not just the tournament but also the confidence of his son and family.
Turning Point in 1994
Fast forward to 1994, Midi, inspired by his father's unfulfilled dreams, resolves to pursue a career in snooker. His dreams clash with his family's expectations, particularly from his elder brother Goti, who favors more traditional sports.
Training Beginnings
Despite family resistance, Midi finds a way to train for snooker at the Calcutta Sports Club every Friday. His determination becomes evident as he balances family expectations with his passion for the game.
Calcutta YMCA: A New Home
The Calcutta YMCA, situated in a run-down area, becomes Midi's primary training ground. Here, he begins to hone his snooker skills amidst challenging conditions, showing his resilience and commitment.
Meeting Mohammad Salaam
Midi meets Mohammad Salaam, a former champion turned mentor, at the YMCA. Initially skeptical of Midi's aspirations, Salaam eventually sees his potential and begins to take him under his wing.
Mentorship Begins
Under Salaam's mentorship, Midi starts to learn the intricacies of snooker. The bond between them strengthens as Salaam employs unconventional teaching methods inspired by Bollywood heroes, making the training engaging and relatable.
Facing Opposition
Midi continues his training despite mounting opposition from Goti and facing financial struggles. His dedication leads him to prioritize snooker over other activities, showcasing his commitment to the sport.
A New Crush
During his time at the sports club, Midi encounters Pia, a girl he has a crush on. Her presence adds complexity to his life, yet Midi remains oblivious to her romantic interest in him, remaining focused on his training.
Lessons Learned
As Midi develops his skills, he learns valuable life lessons, including the importance of finishing strong. This realization parallels his struggles with completing meals, symbolizing his personal growth and resilience.
The Semi-Final Face-off
In a heartfelt semi-final match, Midi faces off against Tandon, wagering his father's promise to quit drinking if he wins. This moment embodies the emotional stakes at play and the legacy Midi aims to restore.
Triumph in the Finals
Through perseverance and strategic focus, Midi defeats Jimmy Tandon in the final match. This victory not only fulfills his dreams but also mends the relationship with his father, reinstating familial respect.
Closure of YMCA
The Calcutta YMCA shuts its doors in 2016, marking the end of an era. However, the training and dreams that unfolded within its walls continue to live on through Midi's achievements and ambitions.
A Story Told
Growing up, Midi channels his experiences into writing and directing a film about his journey. This creative outlet captures the essence of family bonds, mentorship, and the undying pursuit of one's dreams.
The Legacy
The narrative not only showcases the bond between Toolsidas and Midi but also highlights the transformative power of perseverance. Midi's journey serves as an inspiring reminder that dreams can be revived through dedication and mentorship.
Characters
Midi, Varun Buddhadev
Midi is a determined young boy who seeks to fulfill his father's dreams of becoming a snooker champion. His journey reveals his passion for the sport, despite familial pressures to pursue other avenues. Midi's character embodies resilience as he navigates challenges, learns valuable lessons, and ultimately strives to gain his father's respect.
Toolsidas, Rajeev Kapoor
Toolsidas is a once-celebrated snooker player whose legacy is entwined with his son's aspirations. His struggles with alcohol and the resulting fall from grace shape much of the narrative. Through his journey, Toolsidas embodies themes of redemption and love, as he ultimately seeks to reconcile with his past and support Midi's ambitions.
Mohammad Salaam, Sanjay Dutt
Mohammad Salaam is a former snooker champion who proves to be a key mentor to Midi on his journey. Initially reluctant, Salaam recognizes Midi's potential and guides him with wisdom derived from his own experiences. This character highlights the transformative power of mentorship in realizing dreams.
Jimmy Tandon, Dalip Tahil
Jimmy Tandon serves as Toolsidas' longtime rival and a foil to the protagonist's dynamic. His presence in the tournament adds tension and stakes to Toolsidas' story. Tandon’s character represents the competitive nature of sports and the consequences of personal vulnerabilities.
Pia, Sara Arjun
Pia is a supportive friend and a crush for Midi, adding complexity to his training journey. Her character symbolizes the innocence of young love and highlights the emotional layers in Midi's life. Although Midi is oblivious to her feelings, Pia's presence enriches the narrative.
Setting
Time period
1994, 2016
Set primarily in 1994, the film reflects the aspirations and challenges of its characters, rooted in a societal context that influences their decisions and opportunities. The narrative also spans to 2016 when the YMCA closes, symbolizing the end of an era yet demonstrating how the ambitions born there continue to thrive in Midi's storytelling and creative expression.
Location
Calcutta Sports Club, Calcutta YMCA
The Calcutta Sports Club serves as an important backdrop for the training of budding snooker players, providing an environment where passion for the game can flourish. In contrast, the Calcutta YMCA, located in a rundown area, is where Midi hones his skills under the mentorship of Mohammad Salaam, a former champion. The YMCA not only offers a venue for training but also becomes a place of personal growth for Midi, marking a pivotal point in his journey.
Themes
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Father-Son Bond
The film beautifully explores the connection between Toolsidas and Midi, showcasing how their relationship evolves through shared dreams and struggles. Toolsidas' journey from a celebrated snooker player to a mentor figure for his son captures the essence of sacrifice and love. Ultimately, their bond drives the narrative, resonating with audiences as they witness Midi's quest to fulfill his father's unrealized hopes.
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Perseverance
A central theme of the film is the relentless pursuit of dreams amidst obstacles, portrayed vividly through Midi's dedication to snooker against familial and societal pressures. His determination to succeed, despite setbacks, reflects the importance of resilience in achieving personal goals. The transformative journey culminates in a powerful showdown that embodies the spirit of never giving up.
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Mentorship
The mentorship between Midi and Mohammad Salaam highlights the crucial role of guidance in personal growth. Salaam's initial reluctance gives way to a supportive relationship that aids Midi's development, underscoring the impact of positive influences in one's life. Their bond showcases how mentorship can reshape destinies and inspire potential.
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