Malvika's Ramblings

Chak De

Ahaa! Now that was a good movie.
When I went to watch Chak De I kind of knew what to expect - rivalry in the team, one killing loss in the game, injury of a good player which gave a lesser player an opportunity to prove herself, an inspiring coach speech. I must say the movie went far beyond my expectations and there was a special tadka in it since it was Indian. No hamming with patriotosm, just the correct pinch of it. Indian languages, practising with facilities that are sub standard on the international scale, the India Gate circle as a running track, the lack of faith in "women running around in knickers" - it made the movie very different from any other sports team movie from Hollywood.
The movie pushes women and their self esteem ahead, the girls even beat up eve-teasing men. Yet the movie is not a feminist's delight and there is a good dose of sportsmanship from both men and women. The excitement builds up, the penalty shoot outs are moments of silence and anticipation and quick heartbeats. I found myself cheering and clapping and having to remind myself that it was only a movie with takes and retakes.
Must watch movie. Paisa Vasool.