Movie Review: Kai Po Che!
Director: Abhishek Kapoor
Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Sadh, Raj Kumar Yadav and Amrita Puri
Once upon a time but not long ago, Abhishek Kapoor made a brilliant film called Rock On!! However, some attributed its brilliance to lead actor Farhan Akhtar, who was better known then as an accomplished director. Well, Abhishek can now rest easy as Kai Po Che! would forever be known as his and his film alone.
It takes courage to take a stand. It takes courage to make a political film. It takes courage to go against the ruling political party. To say that Muslims were clearly the victims in Gujarat. Also, one is in danger of being preachy while making such statements. Abhishek has avoided that pitfall and told us a story of hope, harmony and most important of all, friendship. He has shown that when everything fails, one should rely on trust because even a little trust goes a long way.
Ishaan (Sushant Singh Rajput), Govind (Raj Kumar Yadav) and Omi (Amit Sadh) are friends who like all normal young people want to do something different. They don’t want to open a shop or business like everyday Gujaratis but want to bank on their passion as well. Ishaan is a talented cricketer and hence the trio decide to open a cricket coaching academy plus sports shop. The seed money is provided by Omi’s uncle, who is a political henchman in a Hindu right wing party. They discover a talented Muslim youngster who has all the trappings to becoming a cricket star. Ishaan becomes obsessed with mentoring him, Govind is only interested in expanding his business and Omi gets embroiled in the political mechanisations of his uncle. Whether their friendship stands the test of time forms the crux of the story.
Abhishek has set the film brilliantly. Ahmedabad still retains a small town look despite the huge material gains and the director has retained the authentic flavour of city. The detailing of the earthquake scenes stands out. The transit camps for those afflicted by the tragedy and the conditions have a documentary feel to it. The build up of the anti-Muslim fervour after the Godhra instance and the riots are thankfully not graphic but muted. He has nevertheless managed to capture an atmosphere of helplessness and terror. Where the film falters is towards the end where the members of Australian cricket team hardly look like firangs. But one can forgive such minor gaffes.
The cast has put their heart out in the film. Sushant Singh Rajput is the find of the film and his power puff performance stands out. The other debutant, Amit Sadh too excites you with his performance. There is natural finesse to Raj Kumar Yadav’s performance as a business-minded nerd who blooms into being the clandestine lover of his best friend’s sister. Amrita Puri plays the sister with just the right blend of guilt and chutzpah.
Cricket is a constant in the background and like in Lagaan, it manages to perk up your emotions. The message that one should aspire to promote talent no matter the background stands tall and clear. If you are tired of watching no-brainer masala movies then give a chance to this heart-warming tale about passion, friendship and forgiveness. It not only will entertain you, it might also strengthen your faith that good Hindi cinema isn’t dead yet.
