This movie is about a 20 yr old (correction 18 yr old as Iqbal’s mom tells his dad) poor village boy who dreams of becoming a cricketer (a pace bowler). Nothing new in that, is there? Which youngster doesn’t want to emulate Kapil or Irfan Pathan? So how does one make this story heart-tugging and interesting? Simple.....give the boy a flaw, ok to make matters more interesting, give him two flaws. So now the boy is deaf and dumb. At least it solves the problem of poor dialogue delivery as seen in most Indian actors!! The movie follows his struggle to a berth in the Indian team. A very simple story line indeed but that’s exactly why the movie succeeds. There is no romantic angle, there is no arch enemy No. 1 with dozens of evil henchmen and there is hardly any melodrama. Sure the movie does make the viewer emotional but in a tender misty eyed way. The characters shine through out the movie. Its as if each one is trying to over shadow the other by underplaying their roles. Shreyas Talpade as Iqbal has an advantage here as he has an author backed role. The movie revolves around him so naturally you feel for him. That said his expressions are brilliant. You feel his anguish and his delight. His eyes and face say much more about what he is feeling than most actors in the Indian movie industry who speak. I wish more actors (Sanjay Dutt and Sunil Shetty , are you listening?) tried ’’dumb’’ (pun intended) roles!
Naseeruddin Shah as Mohit plays the very wry, very sarcastic, very reluctant and very drunk coach to Iqbal. He is an ex-cricketer who was sidelined by the selectors and decides that its time to drink. A bit over the top I would say but in the movie it works. He has acted well and should be in the running for an award.
The other actors perform their roles with ease - Shweta Prasad as Iqbal’s sister stands out. She steals the scene many a time right under the nose of seasoned actors. I would happily sit through the movie again just to see her, that’s how good she is. But for the hero to look good, you do need a bald villain...right? Enter Girish Karnad as the politically correct Guruji. He is acceptable as the wheeler dealer coach who can make or break a cricketer’s career. You hate him instantly because he backs a rich kid (who looks much like Rahul Dravid with an ear ring) instead of our poor little deaf n dumb boy. And when he tries to bribe Iqbal and also threaten him saying if he ever wants to play for the Indian team (which by the way is looking for a batsman and not a bowler) he should bowl poorly. Very realistic request in today’s context and you bristle with indignation saying, ’’How dare you Sir?”
The story and direction is by Nagesh Kukunoor of Hyderabad Blues fame. He handles the story deftly - it does not matter whether the story is really his or not!! Attention to detail is excellent (for example, Iqbals chappals {slippers} are suitably weather beaten) and the locations are rustic - pure unadulterated Indian village. The movie has every emotion - happiness (lots of this - Iqbal is selected for coaching by Guruji/Mohit, Iqbal’s sister brings a sports magazine for him, Iqbal gets selected for the Ranji trophy, Iqbal gets selected for the Indian team etc etc). You have sadness (the fact that Iqbal is deaf and dumb, Iqbal is rejected by Guruji, Iqbal’s dad goes bankrupt etc etc). Sibling (supportive) love, maternal (unconditional) love and paternal (reluctant) love are portrayed brilliantly. You will have this great big lump (the size and shape of a Maruti Swift, for lack of a better example) in your throat through out the movie. Various bonds between Iqbal’s parents, sister, and coach are explored touchingly. Each is a winner in his/her own right. There are some memorable original moments (Iqbal’s buffaloes are named after Indian bowlers - Kapil Dev, Harbajan, Irfan etc and double as fielders when Iqbal is being coached, Iqbal’s mother gently threatens Mohit ’’ I will kill you if you hurt my son’’ and like Mohit , you believe her etc). Kapil Dev plays a cameo (as himself) and even laughs at his namesake buffalo. And when Kapil tells Iqbal that he will play for the Indian team, you go…..” YES!!!!”
This is a refreshing movie – for an audience that is sick and tired of the romantic emotional musical extravaganzas and/or so called thrillers being churned out of Bollywood..Give us Iqbal any day – make us believe that Utopia is possible. Make us believe that there is hope for India, yet. And please Mr. Nagesh Kukunoor DO make more movies!