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The most idolized sport that entices every Indian with the zeal and enthusiasm is making blazing impact on celluloid through 'Iqbal'. Cricket of modern times will have a go on silver screen this time from one of the most trusted banners of the film industry. Haryana's "hurricane" and India's most cherished cricket talent Kapil Dev will be making his "cimematic debut" after doing guest appearance in David Dhawan's 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'. Showman Subhash Ghai has diversified his production house by launching Mukta Searchlight Films by producing 'Iqbal'. Nagesh Kukunoor directorial and narrative excellence has been the soul of this "never say die" presentation. Kukunoor's directorial journey began with critically acclaimed 'Hyderabad Blues' (1998) followed by 'Rockford' (2000), 'Bollywood Calling' (2001), '3 Deewarein' (2003) and 'Hyderabad Blues 2' (2004). 'Iqbal' comes out as his new staging that symbolizes the unending desires and aspiration of a village boy ("Iqbal") of making himself part of the national cricket team. 'Iqbal' is the story of a deaf and dumb boy who aspires and dares to dream to be part of the Indian cricket team. Kukunoor's favorite star Naseeruddin Shah has played pivotal role in the film with newcomer Shreyas Talpade in the lead role of "Iqbal". After 'Rahul' and 'Joggers' Park' this is the third presentation by Subhash Ghai that falls in the marquee of parallel cinema. Despite its offbeat concept and subject, 'Iqbal' promises some melodious soundtrack that will catch the attention of pop generation. Kukunoor's 'Rockford' is still hot among youngsters with soundtracks like "Aasman Ke Par" and "Pyar Ke Pal". 'Iqbal' has some inspiring music by Salim-Sulaiman, Himesh Reshammiya, Sukhwinder Singh and new music composer Kedar-Sarosh. To add grace to the album, Subhash Ghai turns lyricist along with some inspiring lyrics. 'Iqbal' has some bonus soundtracks by fusion band group "OM" and original soundtracks are on Times Music.

Side A has five original soundtracks with "Ashayein" ruling the charts. Hopes, dreams and aspirations come out with cloudburst of emotions as KK sings his heart out in "Ashayein". "Ashayein" is a brilliant soundtrack, by all standards that has been filled with trendy and soul stirring music by talented duo Salim - Sulaiman. Irfan Siddique's lyrics are thematically inclined; they define the aspirations of physically challenged boy "Iqbal". The echoing impact of "Ashayein" and long "alaap" with some narrative makes gripping impact and works as signature soundtrack for the film. Fine orchestration clubbed with some impressive vocals makes it applaud able and acceptable by viewers. It reminds of "Aasman Ke Par" from Kukunoor's 'Rockford' for its content and vocal brilliance. "Aasman Ke Par" happens to be title track of chartbusting album "Fame Gurukul", and "Ashayein" promises to be chartbusting in future. KK stems out one of the finest solo tracks of his career that is expected to have big fan following among pop genre. The slower version of this song by KK also appears in the album.

Channel V Super Singer Ravindra Upadhyay maintains the spirit and tempo of the album in yet another inspiring soundtrack "Aankhon Mein Sapna". Veteran lyricist Sameer figures out "dream come true" passion through the eyes of an aspirant with some stimulating lyrics. Like Abhijeet Sawant ("Indian Idol") Ravindra Upadhyay impresses with his vocal brilliance and promises to be singing prodigy of future. Ironically, both these singers got their first Bollywood break from Himesh Reshammiya. The soundtrack is more on inspirational contents and less on entertainment. However, it still makes it a decent soundtrack.

KK returns once again with similar feel and punch he exuded in "Ashayein" as he delivers "Mutthi Mein Aasman". New composer Kedar-Sarosh makes blazing impact with some peppy music and frivolous chorus ("Oye Oh") in the background. It epitomizes the hardships and struggle of the protagonist with the spirit of "never say die". Vimal Kashyap's well-conceived lyrics are analogous to the lyrics of the previous two numbers but still maintain the punch of an upright solo track.

The everlasting and eternal spirit of "sportsmanship" makes its piercing mark in the haunting voice of Sukhwinder Singh in "Khelenge Khelenge". Subhash Ghai's thematically garnished lyrics set the mood for the protagonist and make him gear up for the assault. Heavy musical and marching orchestration with vociferous vocals create an ambience of interminable fighting spirit. A situational soundtrack that pays pivotal role in this emotionally enriched saga has the musical attributes from singer-composer Sukhwinder Singh. It may not catch the attention of the listeners but will certainly play a significant role in the film. The female version is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and appears on the other side of the album. Side A concludes with slow and brief rendition of the theme track of "Ashayein" by KK.

Side B has four soundtracks with two bonus soundtracks from pop band "OM". The first soundtrack is bonus track "Maula" by Fusion Pop Band "OM". The racy soundtrack seems to be added to maintain the tempo and spirit of the album. Subhash Ghai (lyrics) and Sukhwinder Singh (music) teamwork continues for the second time in this album with instrumentally synthesized soundtrack "Paani". Talented but forgotten Suresh Wadekar matches his voice with Sukhwinder Singh and Shweta Pandit in this semi-classical song. The soundtrack is more instrumental with classical "alaap" by Sukhwinder and Shweta Pandit followed by the voice of Suresh Wadekar. "Paani" is a typical Subhash Ghai soundtrack from music point of view, with natural flavors of beauty and analogous words of "Paani" (water). It is followed with yet another bonus track "Tum Tanna" from "OM".

The album concludes with the female version of thematically oriented soundtrack "Khelenge Khelenge". Sunidhi Chauhan fires up the passion of sportsmen. Sukhwindra Singh flares up westernized orchestrations that have loud marching impact with lyrics by Subhash Ghai. An average soundtrack that will find its relevance in this sporting saga that can be a trendsetter.

After 'Rockford', this album has managed to harvest some inspirational soundtracks that might catch the attention of youngsters. It may be recalled that soundtracks like "Pyar Ke Pal" and "Aasman Ke Par" are the first choices of aspirants in the musical competition. If these tracks are well promoted with fine choreography, then certainly it will be another feather in the cap of the filmmakers.