CHAIN KULII KI MAIN KULII
UNBELEIVABLE!
By Vishal Verma

Rating:- * *

What is it?
Bollywood makers have dealt before with confidence, faith and self-believe differently. This high-octane funda was backed with sports and was done brilliantly by Nagesh Kukunoor in Iqbal(2005), who can forget Aamir’s aweinspiring Lagaan(2001) directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and the not so popular Hip Hip Hurray(1984) directed by Prakash Jha.

So, what’s different in debutant directo’s Kituu Salooja’s CK2MK produced by Saregama Films Ltd, co-produced by Ken Ghosh for Shadow Films(P) Ltd. Quite a few things, though it has cricket – the prime national passion of India, it’s much more about believe and magic in yourself told by the medium of sports. Got it ? never mind.

In cricketing terms Kituu Salooja’s maiden venture does not bowls you over. In an effort to curb those high octane fundas with sports, the director keeps on delivering doosra’s which are very much readable, the ball (read plot) neither turns nor does it makes the batsmen (read viewer) to go for it. Eventually, during the whole spell Kituu Salooja mostly delivers wrong ones, and bouncers. However, some deliveries do fall on the good length spot but that is less in comparison.

Kituu’s cry for magic and self –believe in ‘CK2MK’ turns out to be teddy bear tears in front of ‘Iqbal’s, and Lagaan’s.

 CK2MK is a perfect example of a body without a soul or heart without a beat.

To be fair, the lighter moments between Rahul Bose and Zain Khan are enjoyable in this no-violence, sex, and slapstick humor flick. A film that can be easily watched with the family.

Whats it all about?
An orphan boy, Karan(Zain Khan), who lives in a dilapidated orphanage owned by a stern, uncouth warden, hard to recognize, John Kakkad(Rajesh Khaira). Karan has two dreams, one is to have parents and the other is to be a big cricketer. His inspiration is Kapil Dev – the lion hearted cricketer who gave India’s first and the most dignified cricketing glory, The Prudential World Cup(1983), and we still bask on this 24 year old remarkable achievement even after repeated fiasco’s one after the another there after.
Anyway, back to Karan after a salute to Kapil paji.  Karan’s best buddy in the orphanage is Daboo((Deeptiman Chaudhury) who often lends his gentle ears to the aspirations which Karan lives on. His dreams take a turn when one day, he lays his hands on an old cricket bat that Kapil Dev used to win the ‘83 World Cup (How irresponsible Kapil paji? you broke my heart, how can you discard the bat which was instrumental in Hindustan’s highest cricketing glory ever. The whole nation, repeatedly keeps on talking about the magical innings you played against the Zimbabwe and you can’t take care of a single Bat? Very Very Bad!!)

But, Anyway, One day by the stroke of luck, the coach of the Indian cricket team, spots Karan and is highly impressed by his batting skill. This happens at a time when the Indian Cricket Team is going through a rough patch. Karan and his magical bat are inducted into the Indian Cricket Team as the opening batsman along with the captain, Varun (Rahul Bose). The little boy marches on to the pitch and wins the match for India.

Karan soon becomes the nation’s heartthrob. Once rejected by adopting couples he is now the most sought after kid in the country. Only one person hates him i.e Raghav(Raj Bhansali)the orphanage bully. Raghav now wants the magic bat at any cost.

Karan and Varun, develop a strong emotional bond. Karan has no parents and Varun has parents, but is estranged with his father and does not want to accept him. Karan strongly believes that parents are the best gift endowed by God, and succeeds in uniting Varun with his father.

At the final 5th one day match between India and Pakistan, finally, you get some sort of a twist in this goody goody film till now, Raghav steals the magic bat and destroys it. Lekin Varun makes Karan realize that faith in oneself counts beyond anything else.

Jai Ho Faith Baba Ki !

What to look out for?
The on-screen chemistry between Zain Khan and Rahul Bose is highly entertaining. Rahul Bose delivers a fine performance though he gets tough competition from the not so little bundle of talent Zain Khan. Zain successfully carries the film on his shoulders. Vijay Crishna as the couch is commendable, reminds of Girish Karnard. Meera Vasudevan provides able support. Rajesh Khera delivers a spirited performance and Raj Bhansali as Raghav is remarkable. Kituu Salooja certainly deserves praise for getting some great performance from his cast.  Music by Salim Suleman is in sync with the feel of the film, the track Dhoom Dhadaka is the best and worth taking home.

Cinematography by Promod Kumar Pradhan is eye pleasing. Production values are up to mark.

What Not?
An unconvincing silly plot, without any twist and turns. Why Zain stops playing for team India after winning and realizing the truth of believe and faith is unconvincing.

Rahul sudden change of attitude towards his father after a short brief by an orphan is hard to understand. When you do not have a convincing plot, you hardly know what to edit.

In a nutshell, if you have liked Iqbal and Laagan then you will be disappointed with CK2MK.

Do not expect any magic in CK2MK.  Watch it if you do not have any better options.