Chak De India:Rahat Raihan's review
Movie Review by
Rahat Raihan
13 August, 2007
Rating: 4.5/5
Sport is not at all a successful genre in Bollywood. Except Ashoutosh Gowarikar's Oscar submission "Lagaan", almost all the movies of this genre have found their way very hard at box office. And Hockey may be the national game of India, but many may forget it because of Cricket's unparalalled popularity. So, when a film based on hockey rock the big screen it shouldn't make a strong impact in audiences mind. But Shimit Amin's 2nd directional venture "Chak De India" is an exception.
Because of the names of country's leading production house & leading star attached to it. "Chak De! India" is a 360 degree turn from the movies these twos have been giving the audiences for the last 15 years. There is no gorgeously dressed actress to romance with Khan. There is no green fields or beautiful lakes. There is no "Shorshon Ka Khet" too.
Rather, Chak De India is a story of a Hockey coach Kabir Khan (Played by Shah Rukh Khan) who was once the best centre forward of India. He unfortunately missed a penalty at the very last minute of India-Pakistan final match which resulted Pakistan winning the match.
After the match, when the media questioned him about his honesty, Khan lashed out at the media who in turn brand him a "Gaddar" in the media.
After 7 years, he comes back with a view to proving his love for his country. He takes the responsibility of the coach of the national women's hockey team. A team which is fully undisciplined & unfriendly consists of 16 girls from different corners of India.
Can Kabir Khan prove his patriotism with these undisciplined girls who even don't know the status of playing for the country?
Shimit Amin as a director is in superb form. In every frame, hard work of the man is visible! There is hardly any flaw in his narration. The match scenes are canned very well which proves that Mr.Amin knows the genre which he is handling very well.
The scene where the girls introduce themselves to their coach is terrific. The last scene when Komol (Chitrasi Rawat) passes the ball to Preeti (Sagarika Ghatge) will make you forget to breath. It's fabulous. The next scenes focused on Kabir Khan will definately make tears come out from your eyes. The end also [Kabir Khan returning to his house] has the ability to register an impact.
The editing is perfect.
The film has the ability to hold you on your seat with your attention remaining alive. Cinematography is international standard. The cameraman should receive tremendous praise for his outstanding work.
Choreography is above average.
Music composed by Salim-Sulaiman is so far the best work from this duo. "Chak De India" & "Maula Mere Le Le" are the best tracks. "Ek Hockey Dongi" also sounds soft. The screenplay & dialogues penned by Jaideep Shahni is excellent. The dialogues are amazing sometimes. Especially, the "Sattar Minute" track. SRK's speech delivery takes it to a new level.
The heart and soul of Chak De India is without doubt Shah Rukh Khan. The incredible actor sheds his star persona & slips into the character with amazing reality. He is superb during the whole film. His speech delivery, body languages all are more than excellent. The actor should sweep all the major awards of next year.
The 16 girls have done an impressive job. Among them Vidya Malvade, Chitrashi Rawat &
Sagarika Ghatge deserve special mention. The cold war between Chitrashi Rawat &
Sagarika Ghatge gives the film a new taste.
On the whole, Chak De India is a winner from all the sides.
It is, no doubt, one of the finest works we have watched so far.
At the box office, SRK's huge fan following & strong word of mouth will be the film's main power. Word of mouth should get stronger with every show. Has the ability to emerge as the face saver of Yash Raj Films for this year.
Go for it without hesitating for even a second. Strongly recommended!
