Iqbal

'Iqbal' is a charming down-to-earth film directed by one of today's finest directors Nagesh Kukunoor. The story revolves around a deaf and mute young man who dreams of becoming a cricketer. It boasts of a talented cast that includes Naseeruddin Shah (awesome), Girish Karnad (very good), Shreyas Talpade (natural), Shweta Prasad (natural), Yatin Karyekar (decent) and Prateeksha Lonkar (sublime) all delivering memorable performances. Cinematography is excellent and gives a realistic spacious feel to the village setting. Music is awesome and background score is very pleasant as it contributes to the mood. I especially like the uplifting song, 'Aashayein'.

On the downside, Kapil Dev's appearance is annoying as he can't act and his presence doesn't add anything. Some may feel that the story has been done numerous times before but in my opinion Kukunoor's treatment and execution gives it a unique touch. For example, I loved how he portrayed the relationship between the mother and her children and the two siblings. The chemistry between the actors only make their interactions more real. This is also one of the few films that focuses on the sibling relationship. Iqbal's sister is not the typical Bollywood 'behen' who runs around screaming 'bhaiyya bhaiyya' (brother brother). Actually all the characters are very well written.

'Iqbal's main strength is its soul. This is a must see for everyone and one that can be watched with the family. It's an uplifting movie that brings a smile to the face. Always believe in your dreams and have faith in yourself to make them come true. And to parents, always believe in your children's dreams and capability. That's 'Iqbal'.

This is all about chasing your dreams, no matter what the obstacles. The movie is funny in a subtle way and the acting is brilliant. It is rare that such gems come out of the Indian Film industry. Overall a refresher amongst the crap which normally plays in theaters.

The story involves a young deaf and dumb boy who is crazy about cricket, and how he hides behind buffaloes to watch a coaching camp and learn bowling. Eventually he finds a teacher in a failed cricketer(played by Nassiruding shah) who leaves his drinking habit and makes it his personal battle to place Iqbal in the Indian cricket team.This movie also touches upon the corruption in the selection system and commercialization of cricket.

I went to this movie just today. I heard great reviews from everybody and I finally watched it today. Nagesh Kukunoor has the knack of coming up with some good films, especially off late after Teen Deewarein(Which was brilliant). This movie I think is another feather in his cap. This story is about a deaf mute, Iqbal (Shreyas Talpade), who lives in the small village of Kolipad and dreams of becoming a great cricketer. His father is totally against his love for the game but his mother and sister push him towards his dream. Iqbal is first coached by a devious Girish Karnad, who ditches him for a rich kid. His only refuge is the village drunk Mohit(played brilliantly by Naseeruddin Shah), a former Ranji cricketer. The relationship between Iqbal and Mohit is beautifully brought out on screen. Iqbal's sister (played by Shweta) also gives a brilliant performance. But the cherry on the cake belongs to Naseeruddin Shah. His charm is infectious. He breathes life into the character of Mohit with effortless ease. Shreyas Talpade has also brought in a very good performance. He has really emoted very well and has done justice to his role as the deaf mute. The actor playing Iqbal's father also does a very good job. I think this movie is for the masses as well as the classes. It will be enjoyed by one and all. As the movie's bylane rightly puts it. "It is a story above Cricket."

Iqbal doesn't require those plain, ch..ya reviews but aggressive reviews. Call it a bouncer, a sixer, a century, whatever. The experience is as exhilarating. Welcome new cinema. Welcome Iqbal. A movie devoted to a criminally ignored aspect of cricket called bowling with so much of spunk, style, freshness, novelty and surprises that even those not interested in game find it simply irresistible. It has all the aces. Firstly, amazing stories and people happening in small towns too who are crying to be a part of mainstream but nobody really took notice of them. No need to add situational/ item numbers (read non situational)songs or beautiful bimbettes in the name of "heroines". Instead a brother-sister combo is remarkably portrayed. And when it starts talking cricket-the game, the passion, the technique, the struggle, the pain, the politics, the victory, everything beautifully woven interspersed in between in subtle humor such that it all looks as real as life itself in flesh and blood. The honors should equally be shared by background score, songs, cinematography, editing (especially), sound design and script. All performances are first rate. Ultimately, and at last a director's film-Nagesh Kukunoor's best among his six and not to forget a superb one coming from producers mukta arts years after. Three cheers. Now few Grey areas. The film slightly looses its crispness in certain parts such as-Iqbal trying hard to get Naseer to coach him; the struggle Iqbal went through after inducted in Ranji Team and lastly the film ends on a slightly abrupt note. But all these are minor diversions. Lastly, a word of advice to established set ups tried and tested, star-studded, NRI romances format of film making. Please step aside. Your turn is over. A New dawn has set. A New player in the offing. Indian films finally finding their identity. Undoubtedly, the best film released so far this year, year 2005 will be remembered for Iqbal and likes. And Box office. F... box office. To those conventional distributors, being a modest budget film it is an easy break even so you GTH (go to hell) Also, if Tax free status is not granted sooner to this film then it is better to abolish this system of promotion via tax-free. Jiyo Iqbal !

IQBAL is an excellent movie by Nagesh Kuknoor. His earlier film HYDERBAD BLUES was also good film thematically and in characterization.but had rather loose screen play. But this time he has written a very tight screen play and he has chosen excellent actors . It is a story of an aspiring bowler in a village. This shows clearly that to reach the top is not a plum to be taken but to shed sweat and tears. The relations ship between the deaf and mute bowling aspirant (Shreyas Talpade) and the school going sister(Shweta Prasad) was etched beautifully. In some scenes the film reminded me of that excellent Iranian film "The Children of Heaven" by Mohammad Amir Naji. The boy takes the help of an old cricketer who has gone to seed and Nasiruddin Shah etched this role beautifully as Mohit. The story is down to earth with father not very happy with what he thinks unattainable ambitions of the son but the boy is strongly supported by mother and sister. The ambiance was typical village atmosphere and the house a normal village Muslim family -may not be affluent but not below the poverty line. This is a family drama not the rubbish those come out of Kollywood. All in all a memorable film and Kuknoor graduated to almost world class.

The film I remember was sent for Oscar. Though this was not nominated Kuknoor is approaching Oscar level.