Twelve years after the release of Mary Kom, boxing champion Mary Kom has said that the Priyanka Chopra-starrer did not fully portray the struggles of her life. In a recent interview, the Olympic medallist said the film showed only 10 per cent of her hard work and challenges. She also ruled out the possibility of a sequel, saying her journey had already been covered in the film and her autobiography, Unbreakable.
Mary Kom Says Priyanka Chopra’s Biopic Was ‘Not Real’
In an interview with The Indian Express, Mary Kom spoke about whether a sequel to her 2014 biopic should be made. The boxer said there was no need for another film at present, as audiences already knew her journey through the biopic and her book.
"I don't think there should be a sequel now; everybody knows my story. My career and journey have already been shown in the film and my book Unbreakable. However, the biopic was not real. I felt some parts of the story were not real. Only 10 percent of my struggle and hard work was shown in it," she said.
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Mary Kom also encouraged people to read her autobiography to understand the challenges she faced throughout her career.
"If you read the book, only then can you see my struggle and hard work. The remaining life I don't know what will happen, but the future will be smooth, and happy, I wish that. People want to know if there will be room for love in my life. I will decide if that happens in the future," she added.
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Priyanka Chopra Had Earlier Spoken About Playing Mary Kom
Released in 2014, Mary Kom was directed by Omung Kumar and featured Priyanka Chopra in the lead role. The film followed the boxer's journey as she worked towards becoming a six-time world amateur boxing champion. Priyanka won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance.
In a 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, Priyanka acknowledged that someone from India's Northeast should probably have played the Manipuri boxer. She also spoke about the physical and mental preparation required for the role.
"When I played Mary Kom, I was very sceptical taking it on in the beginning because she was a living, breathing icon and she made place for so many female athletes. Plus, I look nothing like her. She comes from the northeast of India and I am from northern India and we physically didn't look alike. In hindsight, the part should have probably gone to someone from the northeast."
The actor added that she accepted the role because Mary Kom's journey inspired her. Priyanka also said she spent time with the boxer and her family and trained for almost five months to learn the sport and prepare physically.
Mary Kom's latest remarks have renewed discussion about how closely biopics should reflect the lives of the people they portray. While the film introduced her journey to a wider audience, the boxer believes her autobiography offers a fuller account of her struggles.
FAQs
Why did Mary Kom criticise her biopic?
Mary Kom said the film was "not real" in parts and showed only 10 per cent of her struggle and hard work.
Who played Mary Kom in the 2014 biopic?
Priyanka Chopra played the boxer in the film directed by Omung Kumar.
Did Priyanka Chopra win an award for Mary Kom?
Yes, Priyanka Chopra won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance.
Will there be a sequel to Mary Kom?
Mary Kom said she does not think a sequel is needed at present, as her story has already been covered in the film and her autobiography, Unbreakable.