Finally, the suspense is over and Sohail Khan's first film as an independent producer sees the light of the day and not only it comes in the limelight or say focus of the people's eyes but it also throws light on a subject that has not been discussed in Indian Cinema so far. The generation next of Bollywood is certainly leaping out to a new horizon and in his debut film director Punit Sira does show his caliber and promises to be a genuine filmmaker. The film in fact belongs to these two people. Sohail after showing his romantic face in 'Maine Dil Tujhko Diya' now come with a performance that is full of rage and anger. The film has an ugly face of realistic world and those who patronize realistic cinema will love the movie. But first let us be clear that the film is not a patriotic film on the lines of Anil 'Gadar' Sharma or others like him who feels proud in bashing Pakistan and incorporating abuses for the neighboring country in their films without any reason. I- Proud To Be An Indian on the other hand talks about Asian community's problem in western countries especially in Britain.
The film has sheer coincidence in its release date as French foreign minister Dominic de Villepin is in national capital and his Indian counterpart will in most probability will raise the issue of banning Sikh Turban in the European state. I- Proud To Be An Indian shows the brutal reality on Asians in England where they are treated as second grade citizens and face discrimination in all walks of life. Those willing to migrate to western countries must this film before biding adieu to their mother nation. I- Proud To Be An Indian is story of I (yes, this is the name that Sohail Khan has chosen for him in the film). He is an Indian but reaches London to live with his brother (Aasif Sheikh) with his father (Kulbhushan Kharbanda). He sees that some good for nothing "skin heads" have created an atmosphere of terror amongst Asians especially Indians. These skinheads use the terms like "Paki Bushing" for Indians and do everything to tease and humiliate them. The film is an eye opener for the western bureaucrats and must be seen by them too.
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It is a brave attempt to tell the world the reality of a nation who has been championing the cause of humanity in words and not in spirits. Blair's aides may realize now as to why his leader's reputation is falling day by day, it is not only because of Saddam, it is also because of ill-management on the home grounds. Back to basics, "I", after seeing all this decide to teach these "skinheads" a lesson. Heavily inspired by Sunny Deol films, he starts for a task and tries to hold the bull by its thorns. But the leader of "Skinheads" Cane (Tim Lawrence) takes it as a challenge and sends more goons after "I" the problem aggravates further and culminates in a bloody battle between "Skinheads" and "I". In between there are many sequences where people with weak hearts may feel like gushing and those who have a habit of only watching feel good cinema may feel like vomiting. So, please if you fall in these categories, keep away from watching this film.
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Sohail Khan is new contender for the post of Mr. Bharat of Hindi Cinema. For last few years Sunny Deol has been championing the cause of patriotism in Bollywood and post 'Border' and 'Gadar' he was the only entry for this Mr.Bharat image. But Sohail takes some steps ahead of this. He makes a film where the protagonist is fighting for the pride and respect of modern world. The villain is not a nation but an ideology. Racism is the worst evil of today's educated world and to make a film of this topic is not an easy task. Having seen that Bollywood is now prospering in overseas market too and people of Indian Diaspora are watching Hindi films abroad. So to a film like this in that context is a challenging task. Sohail Khan needs an standing ovation for his daring approach in this film, whatever may be the fate of the film at box office but his name will always be included as a film maker who dared to touch a subject that has been alien so for Indian cinema.
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There have been films like 'Purab and Paschim' where people living abroad humiliate an Indian but that was not racism. I- Proud To Be An Indian presents a realistic world. Punit Sira as a director and storyteller leaves an impression and hold promises for the future. His way of narration is very near to the right trend of modern cinema and more importantly it's his way of executing the whole idea that makes him earn more reputation. Filming such a subject on real locations has added life to the soul of the film and Sohail Khan has lived up to the expectations of a spirited artiste from such a role. Though, he is caught often copying Sunny Deol' style but his physique and face suits the role. Cinematography is above average and dialogues are okay. Kulbhushan Kharbanda leaves an impression in a role that only an actor of his caliber could perform. Mona Ambegaonkar does excellent job. The film's biggest drawback is music, though a film like does not have much scope for songs and dance situations but whatever songs have been incorporated in the film fail to leave any impact on the viewers. The film should earn enough patronage in metro cites but it will be hard for it to cross the boundaries of urban areas and hoist the flag in small centers.
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