Chak De India is a winner all the way. Shahrukh proves his mettle once again. Yashraj Films make amends for Jhoom Barabar Jhoom debacle. And the spirit of India comes to the fore once more.
Scene 1: The finals of the Indian Hockey Men’s World Cup. Kabir Khan takes the final penalty and misses by a whisker. India loses the match and Kabir Khan(SRK) shakes hands with the rival player as is customary. A journalist captures this moment and questions the credibility of Kabir who does not respond favourably. The next day news carries Kabir as the traitor.Kabir leaves his village with his mother labeled a traitor.
Seven years later…
A typical board meeting of the association portrays what is the realk situation in the Indian sports boards. Paunchy self styled non players rule the roost. And they treat women’s hockey with disdain . A spirited young man tries to suggest the name of Kabir as the coach.
Reluctantly they agree. The 16 girls from different states of India are coached by a tough taskmaster Kabir . They quarrel amongst themselves on various issues mainly Seniors vs juniors. Kabir brings discipline much to the distaste of the seniors who feel they are indispensable.
At the nick of the time the Board refuses to permit the Indian Womn’s Team to the World Cup. Kabir challenges the Mens team to a match to decide the fate. The girls lose the match 3-2 but win the hearts of the sponsors, players and finally get the go ahead for the World Cup.
The first match of the World Cup is a washout where bad coordination and egos clash and India lose badly to Australia. The seniormost player is pulled up and asked to sit for the rest of the matches. India start winning and in the semi final against Korea, the senior is again given a chance as she knows the tactics through experience and they win. India beat Australia in the final to win the World Cup.
Parallel storylines run alongside the main story, where Priti Sabharwal refuses to marry her star cricketer and boyfriend who behaves like an MCP and pooh poohs fer career in hockey.
The movie Chak De is racy, music is good , Shahrukh sheds his mannerisms and gives one of his most spirited performances as a no-nonsense player and coach whose aim is to redeem his honour by regaining glory for his country. The girls are of different shades and are very realistic in their performances.
The movie also shows the way the Indian public reacts. Kabir Khan’s debacle is comparable to Azharuddin’s. Similarly the board sequences reflect the real light of the game.The ego clashes also are similar to what we here everyday .It also brings about a sense of pride for our country much more than what politicians speeches can give or India Shining campaign can incite.
Chak De India. We are booming.