Mary Kom is not just a boxer; she is an emotion for India. A six-time world champion, Olympic medalist, and a symbol of resilience, her journey has inspired millions. However, recent controversies surrounding Mary Kom have once again raised an important debate—should biopic films be made when the person is still alive?
This discussion becomes even more relevant when we recall a point once highlighted by comedian Samay Raina, who casually but sharply remarked that making a biopic on a living person is risky because the story is not complete yet. At the time, it sounded humorous. Today, it feels deeply accurate.
The Problem with Premature Biopics
The movie “Mary Kom” was released in 2014 and presented her as a finished hero’s journey—struggles, success, sacrifice, and glory. But real life does not follow a movie script. A person’s life continues to evolve, and not every chapter may fit the heroic image shown on screen.
When controversies arise later, the audience feels confused:
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Was the story incomplete?
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Was the image over-glorified?
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Did the film freeze a moment in time that no longer represents reality?
A biopic, once released, becomes a permanent public record, even though the person is still changing.
Samay Raina’s Point: Funny but Deep
Samay Raina once joked that when a biopic is made early, you never know what the person might do later. The statement was comedic, but the logic was strong.
Life is unpredictable. A person who is celebrated today may:
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Make questionable decisions later
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Get involved in unnecessary disputes
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Damage their own legacy unintentionally
When that happens, the biopic starts to feel awkward—almost like a story that ended before the final act.
When Reality Challenges the Reel Image
Recent controversies involving Mary Kom don’t erase her achievements, but they do complicate the narrative. The problem is not that legends make mistakes—the problem is that cinema often presents them as flawless.
When reality clashes with the “perfect” biopic image, the audience feels disappointed, not because of the mistake itself, but because they were sold a finished fairytale.
Legacy Is Built Over a Lifetime
Greatness is not decided at one peak moment. It is judged by:
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How a person handles power
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How they respond to criticism
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How they behave after fame
This is why many believe biopics should be made after a person’s life has fully unfolded, when history—not emotions—can judge fairly.
Otherwise, the film risks becoming incomplete, exaggerated, or even embarrassing in hindsight.
Final Thoughts
Mary Kom will always remain a boxing legend. One controversy cannot undo decades of hard work and inspiration. But her case reminds us of a bigger lesson:
Not every inspiring life story is ready to be told on screen—especially when the person is still writing it.
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