Slum Golf is a Hindi-language sports drama series that premiered on Amazon miniTV on November 22, 2023. The eight-episode series chronicles the journey of Pawan Nagre (Mayur More), a 20-year-old resident of Mumbai’s Bharat Nagar slum, who aspires to become a professional golfer despite his challenging circumstances. Initially working as a golf shop attendant and later as a caddie, Pawan’s passion for the sport drives him to navigate the socio-economic barriers that stand in his way. His path crosses with coach Gautam Rane (Sharad Kelkar), a gambling addict with his own set of struggles, and Gaurav Bajpai (Arjan Aujla), the son of the Bombay Royal Golf Course’s secretary, Kumud Bajpai (Sumeet Sachdev). The series delves into themes of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
While “Slum Golf” offers a unique perspective by highlighting golf—a sport less commonly associated with underdog stories in India—the series has received mixed reviews. Critics have noted that the narrative often shifts focus from Pawan’s sporting journey to explore subplots involving his personal life, romantic interests, and the challenges faced by those around him, which at times disrupts the storytelling flow. The first half of the series is described as slow-paced, with episodes averaging around 45 minutes, but it gains momentum in the latter half as Pawan’s dedication to golf intensifies. The performances, particularly by Mayur More as Pawan and Sharad Kelkar as Coach Rane, have been praised for their depth and authenticity. Overall, “Slum Golf” provides a glimpse into the world of golf through the lens of an underprivileged protagonist, offering viewers a story of determination and hope.
