This movie builds up a nice ethos by using a child protagonist as main character. That he's a budding cricketer who has to overcome a physical handicap along with the nearly impossible overall odds of selection, only adds to his sparse attributes and makes him even more endearing.
Having said that, the movie could have taken it up a notch in certain places where it loses steam. For instance, its bad enough to convince a coach, let alone an ex-cricketer who's an acknowledged loser, to get up and give you lessons. BUt there's more than one way to skin the cat. In most cities, towns and villages all over India, what is practiced is a sport called "galli cricket" (playing in a lane or road with zero or no traffic). That is how many a cricketer (Sachin?) was born. Very few of the youngsters have access to proper coaching, let alone an academy.
The plot seems to have been based on Shwaas (little boy's final hurray before sinking into darkness) and Bend It Like Beckham (battling all of the usual resistances). However, Iqbal shines on its own merit and had there been a wider percolation amongst the cine-going audiences, in all probability it would have been a winner at the BO too. Although its a low-budget picture, it doesn't seem to scrimp on technical aspects nor on production values. But the Muslim angle was unnecessary. Again, its triply impossible for a minority, deaf-and-mute, village kid to chase the dream that Iqbal does.
Some scenes and dialogs (state selection process) remind you of Kevin Costner's "Field of Dreams". Overall, its an enjoyable film. Well done, Nagesh Kukunoor, after Hyderabad Blues, Teen Deewarein, etc. In movies as in cricket, what matters is a unique style, pace and rhythm.
Having said that, the movie could have taken it up a notch in certain places where it loses steam. For instance, its bad enough to convince a coach, let alone an ex-cricketer who's an acknowledged loser, to get up and give you lessons. BUt there's more than one way to skin the cat. In most cities, towns and villages all over India, what is practiced is a sport called "galli cricket" (playing in a lane or road with zero or no traffic). That is how many a cricketer (Sachin?) was born. Very few of the youngsters have access to proper coaching, let alone an academy.
The plot seems to have been based on Shwaas (little boy's final hurray before sinking into darkness) and Bend It Like Beckham (battling all of the usual resistances). However, Iqbal shines on its own merit and had there been a wider percolation amongst the cine-going audiences, in all probability it would have been a winner at the BO too. Although its a low-budget picture, it doesn't seem to scrimp on technical aspects nor on production values. But the Muslim angle was unnecessary. Again, its triply impossible for a minority, deaf-and-mute, village kid to chase the dream that Iqbal does.
Some scenes and dialogs (state selection process) remind you of Kevin Costner's "Field of Dreams". Overall, its an enjoyable film. Well done, Nagesh Kukunoor, after Hyderabad Blues, Teen Deewarein, etc. In movies as in cricket, what matters is a unique style, pace and rhythm.