Mary Kom slams her biopic, says it showed just 10% of her struggles

Indian boxing legend Mary Kom has criticised the film based on her life, saying it failed to capture the true extent of her struggles and hard work, portraying only around 10 per cent of what she experienced throughout her journey.

In an interview with The Indian Express, the six-time world boxing champion said the 2014 biographical drama Mary Kom did not accurately reflect the difficulties she faced while building her career. She suggested that readers seeking a deeper understanding of her life should turn to her autobiography, Unbreakable.

According to Mary Kom, the challenges behind her achievements went far beyond what audiences saw on screen. Her comments have renewed discussion about how biographical films portray the lives of celebrated athletes and whether cinematic storytelling can fully capture years of sacrifice, determination and personal hardship.

The boxer also dismissed the need for a sequel, explaining that her life and career had already been covered through the film and her book. Rather than revisiting the story through another movie, she believes her autobiography offers a more comprehensive account of her experiences.

Released in 2014, Mary Kom starred Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the lead role. The film followed the boxer’s journey from Manipur to international sporting success, highlighting her determination to overcome obstacles and establish herself in a demanding sport.

Chopra’s performance received significant recognition, earning her the National Film Award for Best Actress. However, the casting also attracted discussion about representation, particularly because Mary Kom comes from India’s northeastern state of Manipur.

In a 2022 interview, Chopra acknowledged that casting an actress from northeastern India might have been a more appropriate choice for the role. She noted the differences in their backgrounds and physical features while explaining that Mary Kom’s inspiring journey had motivated her to accept the part.

To prepare for the demanding role, Chopra reportedly underwent approximately five months of boxing training and made physical changes to portray the champion convincingly.

Mary Kom, one of India’s most accomplished boxers, won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and claimed six world championship titles during her career. Her achievements helped establish her as a prominent figure in international women’s boxing.

Her latest remarks highlight the gap that can exist between a dramatic retelling and an athlete’s lived experience. While the film introduced her inspiring journey to a wider audience, Mary Kom’s comments suggest that the full story of her sacrifices and struggles remains far more complex than what appeared on screen.