Hip Hip Hurray

Having seen this film a few years ago, its very unusual for a country that is well known as being a fanatical cricket and hockey-loving country, to come up with a film based on football. And what a surprise it is. Considering that the film was made roughly around the time India won the cricket world cup, it surprises me that anyone would contemplate making a football movie in a cricket/ Hockey-mad country during that time. The director of the movie, Gulzar, has done just that.

Quite simply, this is the best football film India has produced. It is interesting story about an IT graduate working as a sports/ football coach in an all boys school. He coaches the school football team to play against another rival school football team. I wont reveal too much about the plot but please, if you find this movie do check it out, its done very brilliantly. The football matches are filmed quite well (amazingly, this is filmed without stealing highlights from Match of The Day or from some other sports shows, lol). The simulated matches are filmed very well, with a real Roy of The Rovers-style climax. The film has a slight coming-of-age feel to it. While the football is the main focus of the film, it also highlights different facets of human emotions and teenage angst.

Although the casting is well selected, the performance of the film must go to the late, great Shafi Inamdar as the rival coach/ referee. His performance as a hard-nosed, win-at-all-costs football coach, is very reminiscent of a good Premier league manager.

Put simply, its a real winner. Rent it, Buy it and enjoy it. You will not go wrong with it.