Chak De, India Scores!

So, I finally got around to watching "Chak De, India!", and I must say that I left the movie feeling exhilarated. I thought the movie was very well thought out and portrayed. There was just the right amount of emotion and patriotism, unlike the usual extravagances of Bollywood films.

The subject matter of the film is nothing novel. It is a spin on sexism in India, especially when it comes to sports. The movie portrayed common stereotypes around gender and regional identity, and attempted to break them in a not-so-in-your-face manner. One particular scene that resonated with me was when all the team members came to register for the national team. When a Telugu girl (named Nethra Reddy) comes to register, the registerer asks her if she is "Madrasi". Nethra replies with, "No, I'm Telugu". The registerer replies "Well, is it that different?", to which Nethra replies "There is just as much difference in Telugu and Tamil as there is in Bihari and Punjabi".

Oh, and I also liked the fact that Shah Rukh Khan didn't act with his customary excessively-tight but quivering upper lip (where the hell did he learn that from? The British?). Anyway, I must admit that he did do a good job. And credit must also go to the team players (who I believe are members of the real Indian Women's Hockey team).

Final verdict: A definite must watch. A good sports-inspired movie, that will leave you inspired!