A perfect festive treat with a fair dose of fun and inspiration
After some heartfelt and out of the box movies like Aligarh and Citylights, followed by the resounding success of the recent web series Scam 1992-The Harshad Mehta Story, director Hansal Mehta is back with another feel-good film Chhalaang that is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Story-line
What happens when one has been so secure in their entire life that their present life feels like a day to day routine? That is Mahinder Montu Singh (Rajkummar Rao) for you. He leads a rather overtly secure life as a P.T teacher until someone equally talented comes along and challenges his credibility as a sports teacher. Montu is soon pitted against the coach Inder Singh (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) in the final match of dignity.
Performances
Hansal Mehta and Rajkummar Rao have earlier teamed up in several films like Aligarh and Citylights. This time also Rajkumnar Rao’s Montu Sir is the heart of the soul of this beautiful film.
However, Zeeshan Ayyub is impressive as the rough and tough nut to crack Inder Singh. It was good to see some senior actors including Satish Kaushik and Saurabh Shukla in their usual rib-tickling roles.
Ila Arun shines bright as the principal of the school while Nushrat Bharucha plays Neelu, the new computer teacher, and Montu’s love interest quite convincingly adding the much required glamour angle to the narrative.
Hansal Mehta’s direction manages to put forward a film with something to learn from like his earlier films.
A special mention about all the child actors who although were in a collective bunch, still managed to gain considerable attention throughout the film.
Behind The Scenes
The film has some peppy and catchy music tracks by Guru Randhawa, Vishal-Shekhar, and Yo-Yo Honey Singh.
The editors, Akiv Ali and Chetan Solanki have done a good job of putting a proper film together with the adequate scene to scene compilation without giving any scope for drifting away.
Cinematographer Eeshit Narin has been able to give us the whole raw sports like feeling with the hurdles and struggles of a sports aspirant.
The writing team including Luv Ranjan, Aseem Arrora, and Zeishan Quadri are successful in weaving a fun filled entertaining story to remember in the film.
Verdict & Rating
While Chhalaang is highly recommended, one needs to give some time for the film to get unfolded but with time this will keep you hooked with its witty one-liners and an inspirational message at the end.
Special mention goes to the very last scene where Montu delivers a heartfelt message of love, dedication, and what it takes to become a true sports figure.
Chhalaang is a perfect festive treat with a fair dose of fun and inspiration which can be watched with whole family.
Rating:3.5/5
