Watch Iqbal

Iqbal is a heartwarming sports drama film that tells the inspiring story of a deaf and mute underdog who wants to make it big in cricket. The movie, released in 2005, was directed by Nagesh Kukunoor and features an ensemble cast including Shreyas Talpade, Naseeruddin Shah, and Shweta Basu Prasad. The plot revolves around Iqbal (Shreyas Talpade), a young boy from a small village in India who is passionate about cricket. Despite being deaf and mute, Iqbal dreams of becoming a professional cricketer and playing for the Indian national team. However, he faces several obstacles, including disapproving family members and a lack of coaching facilities in his village.

One day, Iqbal meets Mohit (Yatin Karyekar), a former cricket player who has been banished from the sport due to his unethical practices. Mohit recognizes Iqbal's talent and decides to mentor him, despite initial reluctance from Iqbal's family. Mohit trains Iqbal in secret, and over time, Iqbal's talent comes to the fore.

But the challenges aren't over yet. Iqbal still faces discrimination from the cricket establishment due to his disability, and it takes a lot of persuasion from Mohit and a local sports journalist (played by Naseeruddin Shah) to get Iqbal a chance to play at the district level. The rest of the film follows Iqbal's journey as he makes it through the ranks and eventually finds himself in the national team.

The film's strength lies in its simplicity and authenticity. The story doesn't rely on clichés or melodrama to tug at the audience's heartstrings. Instead, it presents a realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by a young, disabled boy from a rural background who dreams big. The film's central message is that it's not one's disability, but one's willpower and determination, that determines success.

The performances of the cast are top-notch, especially Shreyas Talpade's portrayal of Iqbal. He perfectly captures the character's frustrations, hopes, and triumphs, despite not having to speak a single dialogue. Naseeruddin Shah also shines as the cynical journalist who finally sees the potential in Iqbal.

The technical aspects of the film are also noteworthy. Cinematographer Vikas Sivaraman beautifully captures the lush, scenic landscapes of the rural setting, while the music by Himesh Reshamiya perfectly complements the film's emotional highs and lows.

Overall, Iqbal is a touching and inspiring film that celebrates the power of human spirit and determination. It's a must-watch for cricket fans and anyone who enjoys a good sports drama.

Iqbal is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.