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Sports films have never been a genre in Indian Cinema, as they are never found viable. The masses have grown seeing masala films in Bollywood. However, there have been instances when Mithun Chakraborty delivered a hit in 'Boxer' made on the pains and pangs on a commoner to make it big in the boxing ring and 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' featuring cycle races as a major topic of contention between the good and the bad. Aamir Khan scored a hit in this film. Dev Anand made 'Awwal Number'. But, that is all. The story ends there.

Now, new producer Subhash Ghai makes a movie on games. He has Nagesh Kukunoor, as his protégé in search for new cinema. Subhash Ghai has floated a new company for these kinds of short budget films under the banner of Mukta Search Light Films. The film is called 'Iqbal'. The name may not fit a sports oriented film, but the intention behind making such a film needs to be applauded. 'Iqbal' shows how cricket fascinates people in rural India. Still, the apathy that is being shown towards the veterans of the game is alarming. So, the film is an eye opener for those who control the cricket game in India.

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'Iqbal', in fact, is a tribute to the sports. The movie also shows the difficulties faced by the young aspirants in any field before they reach on the verge of the victory. 'Iqbal' is a story of triumph over the difficult circumstances. The story of the movies revolves around a young boy, Iqbal (Shreyas Talpade) who lives in a small village called Rampur. Iqbal has a dream to be part of the National Cricket Team. He lives with cricket. He dreams cricket. But, dreams hardly come true, and when Iqbal sets about towards his goal, he learns about the harsh realties of the life.

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He has an inspiration in the form of his younger sister (Shweta Prasad), who encourages him on his every move. With no gadgets and no facilities, Iqbal learns the nuances of the game on his own. Then enters a village drunkard in the scene. He is Mohit (Naseeruddin Shah). Mohit's knowledge of the game has never been used to its fullest. Iqbal sees a hope in him. Mohit too realizes that his dreams may be fulfilled now. He gets life in form of Iqbal. Together they set a goal and the duo decide to come out victor, no matter how much labor they have to do and how much pain they have to suffer to achieve their goal.

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Subhash Ghai deserves an ovation for coming out with a film that feels the pulse of youngsters. Ghai had diverted from the masses to the classes in his movies post -'Pardes'. Now, there is a film that is an Indian, and has all the ingredients that will make this a film class apart. Ghai did make films in the past but most of them were money oriented.

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However, with 'Iqbal' he tends to pay back to his fans whatever he has earned in last twenty- five years from this country. 'Iqbal' is a film on cricket, but cricket here is just a symbol for the victory over unseen circumstances. Ghai assembles a brilliant crew for his film. He gets a brilliant writer and director in Nagesh Kukunoor who understands the feelings and the likes of teenagers.

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Seeing Nagesh presenting a raw appeal once again on the screen is a delight to watch. Ghai also gets good companions in Salim and Sulaiman Merchant. This duo has composed very grasping background music for the film and it works as the soothing soul. Sudeep Chatterjee's cinematography and Sunil Babu's sets are true to life, and Elahe Hiptoola has also worked brilliantly on the costumes.

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Doing the title role, Shreyas Talpade draws the attention of viewers from the very first scene. His innocence and raw appeal is eye-catching and his performance is up to the mark. He fits in the role of 'Iqbal' like a T. Among other actors, Naseeruddin Shah walks away with all the accolades, though after a long gap. Shweta Prasad and Kitu Gidwani add the charm to the film, and not to forget about the real life hero Kapil Dev who makes a full-fledged entry into Bollywood in 'Iqbal' after a short appearance in 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' last year.

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Sukhwinder Singh tries his best to compose the right tunes for a film that required a more mature composer. On the whole, 'Iqbal' is a good film to be watched by the youngsters though lovers of masala flicks may be disappointed to see all the preaching from Mohit for his protégé Iqbal in the film. Subhash Ghai's tribute to winners of difficult circumstances befits a standing ovation for its efforts and intentions.