Movie with a message!. Review on Iqbal

Iqbal’s selling point is its simplicity. It draws you in,captures your attention and then holds you captive under its spell.

I went to watch the movie quite a long time after it was released.Everyone who had already seen it(which means nearly everyone) kept raving about the film.I was surprised that not a single person had anything negative to say about the film.This only succeeded in having the reverse effect on me and I became skeptical,confident of finding something or the other to crib about.But not even 15 minutes through the film and I was bowled over(pun intended!) already!

Iqbal(Shreyas Talpade) is a deaf and dumb boy who resides in a small Indian village.From the day he could think,the only thing he cared about was cricket ,cricket and just cricket.Cricket occupies all his waking hours and most of the sleeping ones too!By surreptitiously watching and learning from the coach of a cricket academy in his village (Girish Karnad), he excels at bowling through his grit and determination.He is wholeheartedly supported in his efforts by his sister and mother.This father however is kept in the dark about Iqbal’s dream of becoming a part of the Indian cricket team because he hates the very mention of the game and expects his son to become a hard working farmer just like himself.With his sister’s help he manages to secure entry into the cricket academy but is soon ousted as the money hungry coach has to appease his rich students,who dislike Iqbal.Overcome with sorrow and a tremendous sense of loss,he is on the verge of giving up when a ray of hope appears on the horizon in the form of Mohit(Naseeruddin Shah),an ex-bowler who has now become a alcoholic.Iqbal manages to convince him to coach him inspite of the latter’s objections.Together they make a great team – Mohit tries to help Iqbal to realize his dreams and Iqbal’s passion and courage serve as an inspiration to Mohit.Finally after a long and weary struggle which involves making an enemy of the wily cricket academy coach and finally reconciling with his father,Iqbal makes it to his goal and finally dons the blue colors of the Indian cricket team.

It is rare that a film comes along which makes you believe that all is well with the world and dedication,devotion and determination finally triumph over tricks,wiles and dirty politics.Iqbal does all this and more.It shows you that anyone with a disability is only impaired on the outside not on the inside.He has the same dreams,aspirations and capability,maybe even more than anyone else.True talent always shines through whether it is hidden in a perfectly formed body or an imperfect one.

Nagesh Kukunoor has always been one of my favourite directors.I have watched all his films right from Hyderabad Blues 1 to 2 and now Iqbal.As always he has not disappointed me and all his fans.The clarity with which he has put forth his message has to be seen to be believed.Also he hasn’t in any way depicted Iqbal as inferior or lacking in anything.His disability is just a fact not a setback.I’m just dying to see what he comes up with next.

Shreyas Talpade fits this role so perfectly its too good to be true.He portrays the role with intensity and vigour yet with a vulnerability that tugs at your heartstrings.Here’s to seeing more of him.

As the chirpy yet mature beyond her years Khalija is a delight to watch.She effectively steals the show from her coactors in most of the scenes.Girish Karnad as the wily coach is a man you love to hate and that just goes to show how good he is.Naseeruddin Shah sparkles in this role.As the grumpy alcoholic he brings a grin to your face and tears in your eyes as he reminisces about his glory days.

Watch this movie and you will not be disappointed.It will remain a part of you long after you exit the theatre.