Iqbal

An inspiring and thought provoking tale of a specially abled lad's passion to realize his only dream of being part of the national cricket team. This is a gold dust of cinema, one of the finest you would ever come across by. Indeed, Nagesh Kukunoor deserves a big round of applause for this spectacle, a feat that he successfully achieves in his next project (Dor) as well.

Anybody among us can dream big but those who realize those dreams are the special ones, right! And what would you call that person who has been written off by many since birth and yet goes on to achieve what he has always dreamed of? EXCEPTIONAL; maybe it is an understatement but yes.

As they say, behind every successful man there is a woman, and well Iqbal (a very challenging role portrayed with ease and grace by Shreyas Talpade) had two backing him in his endeavor, his mother and his ever supportive and caring little sister, Khadija (a character brilliantly portrayed by Sweta Basu). Obviously family support is good for moral boost up but it just isn't going to be enough without a well drunk, sorry! a well experienced coach (Nasseruddin Shah's portrayal of this character is surely going to have a lasting impact. He lightened the screen every time with his presence. Pure brilliance!).

And for all those who have started to question their choice of watching this movie because of the fact that you do not understand cricket, then let me just tell you - You don't need to understand cricket at all to enjoy this because becoming a national cricket player is used as a synonym in this movie for a dream that is just too big in the eyes of the society for a lad like him).

I watched this movie when I was a teenager and I have to admit that this movie forever changed my perception of cinema. So, if you are feeling low, dejected, hopeless or having any such kind of thoughts about quitting on your dreams, I urge you to watch this remarkable piece of work.

You would never want to quit on to something that gives meaning to your life.

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."

When you come inside a theater at the end of the movie you want to go out feeling good, happy and this is what Iqbal did. A deaf and blind boy practicing, achieving his goal, striving for it was beautiful and at the end the triumphing of Human Spirit. Let the movie speak for itself go watch it. I have to write 10 lines and i will. Step 1- Go to Video Store or Theater Step 2- Rent or buy a ticket for Iqbal Step 3- Go home and watch it or watch it in the theater Finished Watching It????????????????????????? Step 4- Go to your home and say that this comment was useful as i told you to watch one of the most amazing and inspiring motion pictures Bollywood has ever made!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

'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.