’Bend it like Beckham’ is one of those ’feel good’ flicks with a straight story. It’s a film that you should watch with friends.
Jaswinder or Jesse is a very gifted girl having exceptional footballing skills. She compares herself to Beckham, who’s her hero, when it comes to bending the ball. She play’s with the boys in the park who constantly tease her but at the same time admire her skills. This is when she is approached by Jules to play for the girls’ team. Jules and Jesse become very close pals and football becomes a regular activity in Jesse’s life.
At this point, she wants to pursue a professional career in football. The only problem is, her Mom wants her to be a typical Indian girl who can cook Aloo Gobi and make round chapatis. Her Dad(Anupam Kher) also is against her playing football because of the ill-treatment he got from the ’Goras’ in his salad days, which ended his sporting career. Jesse is encouraged by her coach, Joe and her friend, Jules to play for the girls team. But Jesse hides her passion from her parents for the fear of their disapproval.
Her sister who is about to be married to her boyfriend comes to know that Jesse has been playing football by keeping her parents in the dark. When her parents come to know about her passion, they sternly put their foot down and tell Jesse to discontinue football. Incidently, there’s a match against Germany on the same day as Jesse’s sister’s wedding day. The coach, Joe is banking on Jesse to play in the match.
What happens next is better watched than revealed.
The narrative and screenplay are very taut and keeps the audience involved throughout the course of the film.
There are certain elements in society which are touched upon. It encompasses racism, culture, friendship, love and even...homosexuality to a small degree.
The story is interspersed with a good mix of Western and Indian numbers.
Beckham’s popularity has been cashed on by giving a clever title to the film to draw his fans. Not bad marketing..!
Jesse is quite endearing. She conveys the vulnerability of a girl who is caught between tradition and passion for football, with good conviction. All the actors play their part well, especially Anupam Kher. Jesse’s mom keeps the audience entertained by her funny mix of Hindi, Punjabi and English dialogues. Joe, as a coach seems perfect.
On the downside, well the comedy of this film will not at all have anybody in splits. It’s not as hilarious as it is made out to be..But it has some subtle and digestible comedy. Nothing over the top.
All in all, a highly watchable flick. We need more films like these.