Iqbal(2005)
Iqbal is a 2005 Indian Hindi-language coming-of-age sports drama film directed and co-written by Nagesh Kukunoor. It stars Shreyas Talpade as the title character, with Naseeruddin Shah, Shweta Basu Prasad, and Girish Karnad in supporting roles. The story follows a deaf and mute boy from a remote village who dreams of playing cricket for India. He faces opposition from his father, rejection from a cricket academy, and a bribery attempt. The film won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues and was praised for its honest storytelling. It was produced by Subhash Ghai under Mukta Searchlight Films and released in 2005.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Zee5, Prime Video, JioTV
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2005
- Director
- Nagesh Kukunoor
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 12m
- Rating
- 7.6/10
Storyline
A deaf and mute village boy named Iqbal dreams of playing cricket for India. His father wants him to be a farmer. With help from his sister and a drunk former cricketer, Iqbal trains hard. But a corrupt coach and a rich rival threaten to destroy his chance.
“Silence speaks louder than words.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Iqbal
Cast reunions in this film: Girish Karnad & Nagesh Kukunoor (3 films together), Nagesh Kukunoor & Shreyas Talpade (3 films together), Girish Karnad & Naseeruddin Shah (2 films together), Girish Karnad & Shreyas Talpade (2 films together), Girish Karnad & Prateeksha Lonkar (2 films together), and Naseeruddin Shah & Nagesh Kukunoor (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's lead actor Shreyas Talpade learned sign language from a coach to play the deaf-mute character Iqbal.
- Director Nagesh Kukunoor also wrote the film's story and screenplay, and made a cameo as a commentator.
- The movie was shot in just 28 days on a very small budget, mostly in Hyderabad and surrounding villages.
- Cricket legend Kapil Dev was approached to play the coach's role, but he declined; it eventually went to Naseeruddin Shah.
- The film won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues in 2005.
- Shreyas Talpade performed all the cricket bowling scenes himself after intensive training for the role.
- The movie's success led to a dubbed Telugu version titled 'Vijay' to reach a wider audience in South India.