Web Series: Break Point

Break Point Cast: Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi

Break Point Director: Nitesh Tiwari, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

Where to Watch: ZEE5

Reviewed by: Russel D'Silva

There's no denying that cricket has the pulse of our nation for many years now, with other sports always playing catchup no matter how many accolades those sportspersons may bring. In such a scenario, it definitely takes some doing to stamp your authority and amass a sizeable fan-following, and that's exactly what Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi did whether they were partnering each other or other players on he tennis courts across the globe. So, it'll take some doing for a documentary to capture length and breath of their sterling achievements within a concise timeframe while also shedding light on their off-court relationship with each other and otherwise, and that precisely what ZEE5's new docuseries, Break Point, by ace spousal-filmmaking duo, Nitesh Tiwari and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari does.

So, are you excited about what to watch this weekend or what to watch this week and wondering whether Break Point is worth your time? Scroll down for my full Break Point review...

What's it about

No prizes for guessing that ZEE5' docuseries, Break Point, focuses on the herculean achievements of two of India's favourite sporting sons, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. What it also does well though is track their journeys off court both as individuals and a team, how they came together, and how they broke a billion hearts when they decided to go their separate ways.

Watch the Break Point trailer below:

What's hot

If you love Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, then Break Point is certain to be a nostalgic trip of the highest order for you, reliving all their glorious triumphs and near victories and the blood and sweat that went into them. However, like any good sports documentaries, what makes it stand out is how deep it delves into their personal space and lays bare several queries that must've bugged fans for years. Kudos to both the Paes and Bhupathi for being so forthcoming as also Nitesh Tiwari and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari for showcasing it all with utmost sensitivity and reverence for their subjects' stature. You feel like you're living the lives of these two tennis icons and feeling their personal battles both on and off the court.

What's not

It takes some time for Break Point to real us into its dramatic heft, which is a slightly off-putting factor when compared to rest of the web series. Also, at seven episodes long of 40 or so minutes each, the show drags on a bit, and could've done with some crisper editing by Irene Dhar Malik and Charu Shree Roy. Furthermore, for all the insights it provides, you do feel that the documentary holds a bit back though what it shows is still insightful enough.

BL Verdict

If you're fans of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi then Break Point is a must-watch. If you've not followed their careers closely, then you may just kindle a newfound interest in them after watching this. I'm going with 3.5 out of 5 stars.