Bollywood this year, or rather, the Indian film industry in the whole has had a bumper year in both gate collections and the quality of movies interspread between the usual fare. one such movie that takes my attention, in spirit as well as matter, is Chakde! India!

for starters, lets take a brief look at the genre of the movie itself. coming out from the land of thousand dancers and tree hugging, one might expect another melodrama laden movie here. surprise,surprise, ye of little faith. indeed, the trend is changing. maybe a little slower pace then the rest, but its definately there.

Straaing Shah Rukh Khan and a bunch of unknowns (some models, wohoo), this is a sports movie. Period. but, beynond the main genre, its a movie that is strong in its nationalism roots and patriotism. and thats the essence that stands this movie out fromthe plethora of other similarly themed movies, from bollywood to hollywood.

Chakde! the very sound of if resonates that feeling of love for one’s ideals, for everything thats right, for all thats good. a little bit overboard? hey’s its just a cry, but then again, listen to the way its said. its like a diamond edged sword,  ready to cut through evrything that comes along the way, standing majestically proud of itself, never once to look back and regret of its action.

now, say it loud! CHAKDE!

get what i mean?

go watch the movie folks. and, if you do understand hindi and appreciate its majestic wordplay, even the subtitles sound perfect, sheer poetry.

CHAKDE INDIA! and lets say the same here in MALAYSIA! MALAYSIA BOLEH!

Chakde Joe…..