This film centres on a passion for football. It’s almost a love triangle between the two friends and the game. Both friends share a common dream, to represent India and be captain of the Indian football team.

We’ve watched many sports-based films in the past, the common factor being the passion and enthusiasm that comes through in these films. This one lacks the adrenaline rush. Minus the punch, with cricket being the only sporting religion in India, this film doesn’t stand a chance.

The film explores the role of politics in sports, through the story of two friends, Rahul (Adhinath Kothare) and Shekhar (Siddharth Kher). Rahul’s father, Damodar (Sachin Khedekar) was an ex-footballer and the young lad, a brilliant player, fulfills his father’s dream by becoming captain of the Indian team.

Shekhar, on the contrary, is an undisciplined player and ends up as a standby in the Indian football team. He, along with his father, a powerful businessman, Surendra Pal (Dalip Tahil), tries his best to break through into the mainstream team by playing politics against Rahul. Coach Manish Choudhary sees through the plot and supports Rahul. What follows next forms the crux of the story.

The first half of the film drags and fails to evoke any curiosity. The second half is interesting in a patchy sort of way and is handled well. There’s too much music, too many songs and even an item number! Cinematography is good. Dialogue is fine. Editing could have been sharper. Background score is good.

The football matches are too long and should have been handled better. As a result, they make the proceedings boring and fail to hold your attention.

By focusing on politics in team selection, director Sanjay Surkar uses a subject that is done-to-death in all sports-based movies. Also, many scenes bear an uncanny resemblance to Chak De! India. In short, the film has a very weak and predictable storyline.

Performance-wise, Sachin Khedekar is excellent. Dalip Tahil plays his part well. Siddharth Kher needs to brush up his acting skills. Adhinath Kothare, who makes his debut with this film, is decent. The rest of the cast fit the bill.

Verdict: Flop.