Iqbal (film)

Iqbal Hindi is a 2005 Indian sports drama film written by Vipul K Rawal directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, and was produced by Subhash Ghai, under Mukta Searchlight Films. The story follows a cricketobsessed boy from a remote Indian village as he aims to overcome his difficulties and become a cricketer and fulfil his dream of playing for the Indian national cricket team. The film received the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues.

Iqbals sister, Khadija Shweta Prasad, however, helps him try out for a nearby academy run by Guruji Girish Karnad, an influential former India captain, who accepts him for his talent. However, when Iqbal competes with a rich boy, Kamal, who is also the star of the academy, he is thrown out by Guruji out of fear of Kamals father, who bankrolls the academy. Iqbal seeks help from the local drunkard, Mohit Naseeruddin Shah, who was once a great cricketer and persuades him to be his coach. They are able to train in a nearby field, using Iqbals buffaloes named after actual members of the Indian cricket team as fielders.Mohit trains Iqbal and gets him a place on the Andhra Pradesh Ranji Trophy team, despite Iqbal not having any previous cricketing experience. Iqbal plays marvelously for the team, which was a weak team before he joined, and is soon noticed by the press and cricket selectors alike. However, when the final match of the season pits Iqbal against his rival, Kamal, Guruji tries to bribe Iqbal to bowl badly so that the national team scouts at the game would select Kamal for the national cricket team. Iqbal succumbs to his offer, out of concern for his father, who is facing financial difficulties and may lose his lands. Luckily, a sports agent is able to offer him a better deal, and Iqbal bowls with his usual fiery pace and wins the match for his team. He also impresses the onlooking national team selector Kapil Dev in a special guest role, and wins a place in the Indian national cricket team. ........

Source: Wikipedia