‘Break Point’ review: Web series on Paes-Bhupathi rift has much in store for the tennis fan

The parting of ways between tennis players Leader Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi is one of Indian sport’s great controversies. The champions in the men’s doubles category stopped playing together when they were at their peak. They have since had a largely strained relationship for the better part of two decades.

Break Point addresses this question from every possible angle. The seven-episode Zee5 docuseries, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, is dedicated to uncovering the reasons for the dramatic Lee-Hesh divorce.

Apart from conversations with Paes and Bhupathi, the makers interview family members, friends, coaches and journalists. Valuable context is also provided by conversations with a host of global tennis stars, including Saina Mirza, Rohan Bopanna, Martina Hingis, the Bryan Brothers, and Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodford, widely considered the best doubles team in the world.

The Paes-Bhupathi story organically has all the right elements to build a narrative arc, which the documentary uses to full effect: conflict, plot twist and resolution. This foreshadowing, despite knowing how the story ends, works because the build-up is rich with details, voices and match clips.

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari have skillfully used the thrill of live sports in their feature films, including Dangal and Panga. In Break Point, video footage of major moments reminds us…

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