IQBAL................Well I just came back after watching this film and without exaggeration this is one of the best films to come out in HINDI CINEMA, in recent times...................and definately the FILM OF THE YEAR.IQBAL the film is not just about CRICKET, but way above it, its a feel good film, it gives you HOPE, INSPIRATION and COURAGE to believe in your dreams and yourself, and that if one will’s Anything is possible.That is a kind of messge the film conveys.HATS Of to NAGESH KUKUNOOR for making such a brilliant film, one of its kind, without any artificialty or fanfare and doing justice to it and also SUBHASH GHAI, for supporting a film like IQBAL.....................When you are not left capable of making good films yourself, encourage and support good filmmakerrs and that is what he has done.For me cricket was not only the reason to watch IQBAL....................But the fact that I want to support good cinema, its me and you who are going to give filmmakers a chance to make more of such brilliant films by watching their films.
STORY....................is about this young boy IQBAL(SHREYAS TALPADE)who is obsessed with cricket and who dreams of playing in the national team, and how he goes about it.And yes he is deaf and dumb..................but his physical disability is shown in such a positive way that you tend to forget about it immediately which is comendable.
ACTING.....................is one of the high ponts of the film.Every character is well defined and all the actors have put in OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE.SHREYAS TALPADE....................as IQBAL is the life line of the film, he’s there from start to end and he makes you laugh and cry with him, you want the best for him and that is the feeling he evokes in you.SHWETA PRASAD................as his sister is simply brilliant, her expressions are spot on and the scenes between the two will bring tears to your eyes.NASIRUDDIN SHAH.....................well what do I say for this actor, he is god........................as IQBAL’s coach, friend, guide he is REALLY good, i really feel when it comes to acting, nobody is even near him.PRATIKSHA LONKAR, the lady who plays IQBAL’s mother is also brilliant.....................the way she supports and stands by her son, is presented so beautifully, there is no over the top acting or dramabazzi, and that is the reason every character touches you.GIRISH KARNAD in a slightly negative role is also first rate and YATEEN KALYAKAR as the helpless father of Iqbal is also very good.
MUSIC.......................is very nice, though only two songs are used in the film, i love the ASHA HI song, its got very nice lyrics and it has been used very nicely in the film, a song about hope and dreams.Also the background score by SALIM SULEMAN is great.
DIRECTION..........................well I feel the story, screenplay, ececution everything works for IQBAL.A film that makes you cry and feel for its main characters................has to be a very good film.The execution of the film is simple and very beleivable.................and the message of the film comes out clearly.NAGESH KUKUNOOR is a very talented and under-rated film maker and I hope with IQBAL he reaches greater heights.The humour is also very well handeled, isubtle ans situational comedy.The dialouges are also a high point of this film, very natural, humurous at times and very thoughtprovoking at others.What Nagesh kukunoor has done best in the film is that it fills you with hope and courage, you feel very inspired................which is a big big thing for a film-maker.
I think IQBAL SCORES on everything, and for me the three best film of the year have been SOCHA NA THA, MY BROTHER NIKHIL, and IQBAL..........................GREAT and straight from the heart films, with the later two touching the soul as well.So just go and watch IQBAL, its really worth your time and money..................and yes Support GOOD CINEMA.