Exclusive Movie Review Chak De! India
By Hanoz
So I just got back from one of better movies bollywood and YRF churned out this year. Dont be mistaken. By better i do not mean it wasn’t great. It’s just that bollywood movies in recent times have really disappointed me. Even the movies that have done well this year seem to be called a hit just because they were less inferior compared to the other or because they made more money. Chak De India, for me stands out from the rest so far this year. It’s not the best film ever that you’re going to watch. But you’re definitely up for a movie with a good dose of emotion, good laughs, and excitement that will give you goosebumps quite a lot of times, especially during the second half.
I entered the cinema during the credits. Missed the title but got in right after it, when the movie starts rolling out with a hockey match. Like all movies, SRK had another great entry sequence. Maybe not the most cheerful one out of all, but one of the best, starting his character development right then and there. Plus it’s another entry sequence for him which opens up at a sports field. The story is very easy to understand and there isn’t any moment during the film where the audience is left confused. Simply put, sticking to a simple plot, Chak De India is a sports underdog story where Kabir Khan (SRK) is tagged with the humility of a failed hockey player/traitor to India because of something that went wrong during his final match ever played. 7 years later he decides to take charge of coaching a team of the Womens Hockey Association in order to get them ready to win the world cup and earn back his honor.
Without revealing any more about the story, I’ll get straight to evaluating the performances and technical values. The movie had a very contemporary feel to it all through. During the first half, where the movie takes place in India, it creates a very gloomy yet truthful feel around the story where the audience is shown how ignored a sport like Hockey in India is, moreover when it’s a womens team playing the sport. Most of the first half is spent developing the characters, which is a good thing. Because once the movie hits the hockey fields, it does most of the times if not all the time give you an idea of whats to come from each of the team players. By the end of the first half characters are developed, training is done and the team is all ready and set to leave for the Worldcup which takes place in Australia. The second half of the movie is definitely the better one, no doubt about it. If the first half of the movie felt more like artistic cinema, the second half felt like a hardcore commercial drama. Giving the audiences what they expect to watch (lots of hockey), the movie during this half has many funny and suspenseful moments. Most of this half of the movie takes place on the hockey fields.
I’d like to make special mention of the cinematography. It really worked in favour of the film. The shots framed on the hockey fields were fantastic. Blending fast track shots with fast editing cuts really in a way gets the audience involvement a push. Kind of reminded me of Michael Bay style of directing . So full points to the editing and cinematography. Shimit Amin also deserves good points for directing. I’m glad that he made the film feel and look different compared to other recent YRF films where the story unfolds in the same monotonous way where the first half has cheesy comedy while the second half has forced emotion. Chak De India stayed away from that typical YRF story telling and Shimit Amin deserves credit for that. The songs were just alright for me. I’m glad that most of them were just used as a background piece during certain sequences of the film. Chak De India and Badal Pe Paon Hai are the only full length picturised songs. Infact even Chak De India is cut into several different parts through out the movie. I liked Maula Mere Lele Meri Jaan, but it wouldn’t have worked if it had a whole 4 minutes picturized to it, so i’m glad it was presented in the way it did. Although there wasn’t a lot of comedy, Chak De had it’s good share and makes sure to make you laugh whenever it attempts to.
Out of the girls team, the one’s that stood out in order for me are Tanya Abrol (the punjabi girl called Balbir), Chitrashi Rawat, Sagarika Ghatke, Shilpa Shukla and Vidya Malvade. These 5 in particular stood out from the rest. But they were also given more screen time compared to the others. Tanya Abrol is a great actress and makes you laugh almost everytime she’s on screen. Loved her. Do I really need to comment on Shahrukh’s acting I’m starting to run out of praises for him with every movie. He does not disappoint you this time either. He watch Kabir Khan playing the role, not SRK. He looked and suited the role and added his usual extra little SRK touch to it. One scene in particular I’d like to mention where he gets weak in his knees towards the end was beautifully enacted. Anyone can try, but cannot be as great an actor like SRK..and i’m reminded that with every release of his.
There’s really a lot more that I can talk about.But this is all I’ll leave you with since nobody here has watched the movie yet. I can’t say what kind of reviews to expect from the media. Infact i don’t even want to take a guess. But the good news is you guys definitely won’t be disappointed. I can pretty surely guarantee that. As for those who do not like it, I do not know what they went expecting. You can’t help but enter the movie with a skeptical mind, but you as SRK fans will definitely come out more than happy, and the second half of the film lends a great hand to that. So if you’re still disappointed during the first half, wait for the second. I managed to stay away from all trailers this time around and i’m glad I did. There are a few things which could’ve made the film better but i’m a more than satisfied movie goer in this case so I’d rather ignore and not mention those points. I dont want to. For me, Chak De India was awesome and a little more than that…you will enjoy watching it!
Rating: 9/10
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Thnx mustafa for sharing !!
By Hanoz
Please do not read these if you’re just expecting to read some minor spoilers. Some of these could really ruin the film for you.
Here i’m going to discuss some of the best scenes and sequences from the film. There were a few scenes here and there which could’ve been cut out without doing much harm to the film. But that would only be a problem if the movie was too long. It was just fine in length therefore these scenes do not bother you much. But there were particular scenes in particular which remain fresh in your memory even long after you’ve watched the film.
1] Opening sequence: This was a great way to start of the film, apart from SRK’s intro in the film, this sequence also carried a lot of suspense and started develpoing Kabir Khan’s character then and there itself. As soon as the film opens, we are presented with a hockey match taking place between India and Pakistan and SRK is left with the final closing play of the game with a penalty shot which he misses to score. Right from this scene up until we are brought to the present day (7 years later) we are told the story of Kabir Khan.
2] Introduction of the women: All of them had short and comedic intros. But the one that really stood out was of Blabir Kaur. Her hot temper and wanting to beat up every second person was funny everytime. She’s got most of the comedy scenes for herself in the movie.
3] The sequence where Bindia tries to seduce SRK and asks him why he din’t choose her to be captain of the team. Great dialogue in this scene.
4] The England vs. India Hockey Match: This is their first win in the championship and redemption to continue playing. It has got a lot of funny scenes along with excitementas the girls really get into form during this game. One scene in particular was hilarious, where the coach of the England team asks one of his players: “I’m confused, which one of them is Didi?” . It was really funny while watching it as all the women of the Indian team were screaming out didi (sister) to each other in order to pass the ball.
5] The Mac Donalds Fight Scene: Another great Balbir Kaur scene where she goes and beats the crap out of a couple of guys who were teasing her fellow team mates follwing to huge girls vs. guys showdown in hand to hand combat.
6] The timeout scene before the India vs. Argentina match: This scene was also great as it is the first time when SRK tells the girls to play dirty, but only if the Argentinian team continued to do so. Balbir Kaur again gets an adrenaline boost and kicks some Argentinian butt on the field.
7] The Sattar Minute Sequence: One of the best dialogue sequence in the film. It was narrated by SRK in such a way that you get goosebumps in the cinema.
8] The final game between India & Australia: Goosebumps ultimatum! This whole final game sequence was brilliantly executed. The shots were great, background music was heart pumping, suspense was long and the excitement just hit the roof! Especially once it ends on a tie and each team gets 5 shots each. Althought you know what to expect, the edit still manages to keep you at the edge of your seat.
9] SRK’s reaction after the final game is over. I still wont reveal who wins. But this scene where SRK goes weak in his knees and isn’t able to keep himself balanced was one of his best acting moments in the movie. It was really emotional.
Although there’s a lot more which i’m sure i’m forgetting, these particular scenes stood out. And each of these sequences were pretty long ones. Without doubt they’re the strongest parts of the film.
One more Mouthshut review: http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Chak_De_India-129199-1.html
SRK’s reaction after the final game is over. I still wont reveal who wins. But this scene where SRK goes weak in his knees and isn’t able to keep himself balanced was one of his best acting moments in the movie. It was really emotional.
This scene will be tremendous to watch.
So wats the new around
cant wait to watch CDI
After this review !!
I Thnk CDI is awesome movie !!
Any news @ box office
really excited to see now.
Excellent review…chak de would probably be gud n different as compare to yash ji pervious movies…
keep writing alwaz
love
sweets
Reports that movie dont have great openning !! Jst around 45% ist day !!
Thats sad , i hope it picks up @ week end
ya around 40% for the first 4 shows.evening shows are strong.i hope it picks up frm 2morrow if the movie is indeed good.
just got the rediff review through sms.this is what it says:
chak de is solid sports movie and while there are bit of cliche, srk manages to rock the show n lead the gals to glory.have fun.
the hall i went to view the movie in was housefull.and the reactions were awesome.as far as i can hear,the starts are slow,but i m sure its gonna be a huge hit and will soon pick up.
and when i am concerned,i must say its one of the best movies i have ever watched in my life.and srk’s performance is sure to go down in history.
it was in India or UK
fik movie is housefull…i didnt get the tickets.
in mumbai.
Heard movie is Awesome!!!
This its tough ..who is going to win the Best actor
SRK(CHAK) or ABHI(GURU) or Akhashy(Gandhi son)
the best sequence was…….
the INDIAN ANTHEM SCENE…..JANAGANAMANA…
EVERY-1 in THE HALL STOOD UP DAT TIME…….
HIT!!!
i didn’t had such expectation with the film…. but after seeing it… i was charmed… it seems good now indian films making different as in hollywood.
great direction
great acting
good screenplay
good background music
good camera work
lastly a must watch the film
Chak De India is a awesome movie which is based on a tru story.It conveys message that true can cross all borders of limit.
Chak De India is a awesome movie which is based on a true story.It conveys message that true spirit can cross all borders of limit.
I agree with you , movie was wonderful and SRK was awesome!!! Infact the whole team performed well… everything was in place and worked out well… Chak de India !!!
yeaaah….
one more great & different movie by SRk.
must watcha.
This is one of the best movies i’ve ever watched in my life.
Don’t miss it.
superb film!
Everyindian should watch this film & others too, coz the film is very encouraging 4 all our indian teams to cheer up n work hard for each matches they play. god bless sharukh khan , he should get all awards, for such a brilliant movie. he is the best.
All our players will be more positive n do their very best in their life. after seeing this movie. As this movie spreads this. And reach the goal.
GREAT EXAMPLE HOW OUR FOOTBALL PLAYERS PLAYED & WON THE MATCH YESTERDAY.
This movie will surely break all records, “ALL THE BEST” CHAK DE INDIA EVERYONE!
LV SHARUKH!
From now onwards i will say instead of saying “JAI HIND” i will cheer up n say “CHAK DE INDIA”
Dont miss this movie, see n learn n try to face each challenge of life not only sports but in every aspect in life.
Great Film!
really good film.
sagarika was the best.
she totally rocked it.
Aug 10th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
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