By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS): The craze for Neeraj Pandey's "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story", a biopic on India's best known cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is much more than any film based on any sportsman in the past, and this might help to break the biopic jinx at the box office, says a trade analyst.

"Dhoni enjoys a massive following amongst cricket lovers and coupled with the fact that the title talks of 'Untold Story', it has added to the hype and curiosity of this well-publisised film," trade analyst Taran Adarsh said.

"The craze for 'M.S. Dhoni - The Untold Story' is tremendous, much more than any film based on any sportsman in the past," he added.

Adarsh also considers track record of the director, who has made successful films like "Special 26" and "Baby". "With Neeraj Pandey on the director's seat, the expectations are humongous. All these factors put together should ensure a flying start for the film at the ticket windows."

"Of course, it eventually boils down to content. But I am sure the makers would do justice to the story that will be narrated on screen."

Atul Mohan, editor of the trade magazine Complete Cinema, adds that stakes as well as expectations are "too high".

"Dhoni is a huge brand, he has a huge fan following. As a perk, he is a craze amongst girls. He is a craze not only in India but overseas as well. Everybody wants to see the rise of Dhoni."

Significantly, Mohan points out the importance of this being an authorised biopic.

"With the legend himself involved, it has to be an interesting watch. Neeraj Pandey is a great story-teller of our times. The marketing strategy is rightly pitched for this one.

"The only concern is budget, but if sources are to be believed then all involved have covered their cost and only theatrical business is to be taken care of. But at the end of the day, the final report card of the film is assessed depending on the theatrical performance."