Striker

Striker (2010) Review – A Gritty, Honest Film That Strikes Hard Without Trying to Entertain

Intro: Striker is a 2010 Hindi action drama written, directed, and produced by Chandan Arora. The film stars Siddharth in the lead role, supported by Usha Jadhav, Padmapriya, Aditya Pancholi, Ankur Vikal, Anupam Kher, Seema Biswas,Vidya Malvade and Anup Soni. Released on 5 February 2010, Striker made history by becoming the first Indian film to premiere on YouTube globally on the same day as its theatrical release. Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s underbelly, the film uses the game of carrom as both a sport and a metaphor for survival.

REVIEW (90 Words): Striker is not an entertaining or feel-good film, and that’s exactly its strength. It’s serious, gritty, and meant for a selective audience. The film stands out for its authenticity, strong performances, and a powerful story that stays honest throughout. Siddharth delivers one of his finest performances, supported well by a solid ensemble cast. Using carrom as a central metaphor, the film talks about survival, choices, and life in Mumbai’s underbelly. It’s not comfort cinema, but it has depth, meaning, and heart. Highly recommended if you like realistic storytelling.

FULL REVIEW: Striker is not the kind of film that tries to please everyone. It doesn’t offer escapism, glamour, or easy entertainment. Instead, it chooses realism, grit, and emotional honesty — and that makes it stand apart.

Directed by Chandan Arora, the film follows Suryakant (Siddharth), a boy growing up in Mumbai’s Malvani area, whose life is shaped by poverty, communal tension, crime, and the underground world of betting. What makes the story unique is how it places carrom at the centre — not as a casual game, but as a tool for survival, strategy, and control.

The film’s strongest aspect is its authentic setting. The slums, local bars, betting dens, and streets feel lived-in and real. The carrom matches are shot with great detail, using real players, making every move feel tense and meaningful. The game becomes a metaphor — one wrong strike can change everything.

Siddharth delivers a surprisingly powerful performance. He balances vulnerability and confidence with ease, especially in the emotional moments. Among the supporting cast, Ankur Vikal stands out as Surya’s friend, often stealing scenes with his raw energy. Aditya Pancholi brings menace without overdoing it, while veterans like Anupam Kher and Seema Biswas add depth to the narrative.

The dialogues are sharp and earthy, and the cinematography pulls you straight into Mumbai’s darker corners. The background score could have been better utilised, and the second half slightly loses focus with a convenient romantic subplot. However, these issues never overpower the film’s impact.

Striker is a film with a lot on its mind — class divide, violence, ambition, and fate. It may feel heavy and uncomfortable at times, but that’s because it refuses to soften reality.

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Other Than Review - 

Chandan Arora, has also directed Main, Meri Patni aur Woh and Kankhajura

Sunita Rajwar, has written the story and screenpaly has palyed one very funny character in Gullak

Read some interesting perspectives on Carrom on My Linkedin Newsletter