The central theme of Nagesh Kukunoor’s best film to date is Hope (Aashayein). It is a small, sweet, simple, feel-good inspiring film. In my opinion this is the movie of the year. Nothing to take away from Paheli, but I would have sent this movie to the Oscars.
The story revolves around a young middle class village boy Iqbal (Shreyas Talpade)whose only obsession is cricket. He wants to be a fast bowler. But, being poor and a villager are not the only obstacles, the guy is deaf and mute as well. The guy is so endearing that first five minutes into the movie you forget about his disability. Iqbal’s family comprises of a strict father who is a hardworking man trying to make the ends meet; a sweet loving caring mother from whom Iqbal has inherited an obsession for cricket and an adorble kid sister - Khadija (Shweta Prasad)- who is closest to Iqbal. With Khadija’s help Iqbal gets an entry into the prestigious cricket academy. Unfortunately, he is done in by cricket’s politics and prejudices. In a chance encounter he realizes that the village drunkard Mohit (Naseeruddin Shah) was actually a top class Ranji cricketer. He approaches Mohit who is not willing to coach him, because he is too busy with alcohol and also fed up of the cricketing politics. The rest of the story is about how he rises from the ranks to become a part of the Indian cricket team.
The story is pretty simple and predictable, but this is a movie in which the end is not important, it is the journey which is awe inspiring. The best part about the movie is that you don’t sympathize with Iqbal, you actually empathize with him. He achieves what he wants not because of symapthy but because of ability.
All the performances are amazing and singling out any one would be a great disservice to the others. The film has some great moments, especially the banter between Shweta and Naseer. The film also boasts of a great background score and cinematography.
If you are an optimist like me you will lap it up. Go watch it!!
P.S. : The myth that this movie is only for cricket lovers, is well, only a myth!!