This is definitely another hit for Shah Rukh Khan. A hit at the box office plus applause from the critics department.It’s commendable that it’s got the approval of the crowds, in spite of the film dealing with hockey, not cricket, and women’s hockey at that!
I am a die-hard SRK fan(loved him even in some of his box office "flops", ).But even I think, what went for the film’s success is the director’s vision.Shimit Amin(who earlier directed Ab tak Chappan) treats the film as a whole- the theme, script, acting, all merge so faultlessly in the film. Though a group of us went into the cinema, expecting "no heroine", we came out all praise for the wonderful girls in the film.From Jharkand, Haryana, Chandigarh, Andhra.they are all so authentic and natural as they come.They bring our various dialects too, an interesting and welcome trend after Omkara.And along with them it is a pleasant change to see Kabir Khan- a more subdued, a more down to earth King Khan!
According to Mani Ratnam, a song is such a burden on the director.He meant if he doesn’t fit it in well he spoils the song and the film to some extent.So, it’s just as well that there is no great music in this film.you don’t really miss it.
I wonder how it’s faring in the districts or villages of the North, where female infanticide and bride burning is still the order of the day.Here in my city, it sure is getting a warm reception, with most theatres going "housefull"!
Try your luck this week end.A script as racy as hockey can get, ensures that you are not bored for a second!