Writer-director Nagesh Kukunoor clearly was inspired by John G. Avildsen. Watching "Iqbal," it doesn't take one long to realize that this film takes elements of Avildsen's "Rocky" (1976) and "The Karate Kid" (1984) and mixes them with India and cricket.
It helps a little bit to know something about cricket. At least, to know about the obsession young men growing up in the Indian subcontinent have about the game. Students skip school to watch international matches. Transistor radios come out in full force to listen to commentaries. And you can see crowds gathered outside TV stores and on corners watching or listening to the game.
"Iqbal" wears its heart on its sleeve and isn't ashamed about it. There's nothing particularly novel about this film. You know exactly how it will turn out - after all, it is a feel-good movie. But still the film has a certain undeniable charm.
The film lacks the sheer giddiness of, say, "Lagaan" (2001). But "Iqbal" is buoyed by some pleasant performances, interesting characters and it can't help but bring a smile to your face. Shreyas Talpade is awfully convincing as the titular character, though he is given to moments of over-acting, especially during crucial scenes when Iqbal finds his dreams fading away.
On the other hand, the film's best surprise is the performance by Shweta Prasad as Iqbal's little sister, a young girl who makes it her goal in life to ensure her mute brother fulfills his dream. It's young Prasad who brings the film to life. She gives her character the right amount of spunk and attitude; there's nothing unnatural about this young girl's performance. She's funny when she needs to be, serious when she ought to be.
"Iqbal" is all about making the audience feel good about itself. There are no real surprises, plot wise, in the film. There are the usual villains, just as there were in "The Karate Kid." In "Iqbal," it's the cricket academy coach and his star player, Kamal (Aadash Balakrishna). Notice parallels to Avildsen's drama?
Even the ending is a foregone conclusion long before it arrives. But Kukunoor handles everything with such care, it's obvious he loves this clichéd and predictable story.
"Iqbal" warms the cockles of your heart and, occasionally, that's not a bad thing for a movie to do.
It helps a little bit to know something about cricket. At least, to know about the obsession young men growing up in the Indian subcontinent have about the game. Students skip school to watch international matches. Transistor radios come out in full force to listen to commentaries. And you can see crowds gathered outside TV stores and on corners watching or listening to the game.
"Iqbal" wears its heart on its sleeve and isn't ashamed about it. There's nothing particularly novel about this film. You know exactly how it will turn out - after all, it is a feel-good movie. But still the film has a certain undeniable charm.
The film lacks the sheer giddiness of, say, "Lagaan" (2001). But "Iqbal" is buoyed by some pleasant performances, interesting characters and it can't help but bring a smile to your face. Shreyas Talpade is awfully convincing as the titular character, though he is given to moments of over-acting, especially during crucial scenes when Iqbal finds his dreams fading away.
On the other hand, the film's best surprise is the performance by Shweta Prasad as Iqbal's little sister, a young girl who makes it her goal in life to ensure her mute brother fulfills his dream. It's young Prasad who brings the film to life. She gives her character the right amount of spunk and attitude; there's nothing unnatural about this young girl's performance. She's funny when she needs to be, serious when she ought to be.
"Iqbal" is all about making the audience feel good about itself. There are no real surprises, plot wise, in the film. There are the usual villains, just as there were in "The Karate Kid." In "Iqbal," it's the cricket academy coach and his star player, Kamal (Aadash Balakrishna). Notice parallels to Avildsen's drama?
Even the ending is a foregone conclusion long before it arrives. But Kukunoor handles everything with such care, it's obvious he loves this clichéd and predictable story.
"Iqbal" warms the cockles of your heart and, occasionally, that's not a bad thing for a movie to do.