Chain Kuli Ki Main Kuli

Chain Kuli Ki Main Kuli belongs to that rare breed of Indian childrens films which are actually enjoyable, and can be fun even for adults. I wasnt sure about watching it, but then, it had Rahul Bose, and Ashutosh Gowarikar (director of Lagaan & Swades) called it a gem of a film. I agree completely. Its not a classic, but I had a great time and lots of belly laughs, and so did my kid cousins with whom I watched it.

Karan, very ably played by talented kid Zain Khan, is a 13 year old at an orphanage. The scenes there are quite lively. As expected, the orphanage is run by a cartoon tyrant whom the boys call Hitler (Rajesh Khera). One day, Karan finds a magic bat that was supposedly the one Kapil Dev used in the 1983 World Cup. Karan utters the mantra Chain kuli ki main kuli every time he bats and ends up hitting fours and sixes everywhere. In case you didnt know, Chain kuli ki main kuli has its origins in Amitabhs Satte Pe Satta. One of Karans sixes busts the windshield of team Indias coach, and Karan is catapulted into the team. Rahul Bose is Varun Roy, the captain.

You might be skeptical on reading the concept. So was I. It sounded pretty ridiculous to me. Ive seen several movies where this kind of fantastical central concept just didnt work. Even here, one can poke holes at the logic of the film, but thats honestly a forgivable trifle compared to the fabulous time I had watching it.

Cricket isnt as central to CKKMK as hockey was to Chak De India, so its okay that the cricket sequences arent as meticulously executed as the hockey scenes in the latter. The magic bat is just a nice little plot device around which the other events occur. Subplot themes include appreciation of having parents, friendship, belief in yourself, etc etc. Standard fare, yes but its a film mainly for children, so these are lessons that need to be taught, and theyre done quite nicely, without heavy-handed melodrama. The film is very fast, too. Theres not a moment when you feel like looking at your watch. Parents can rest assured that they wont have to endure while their kids enjoy, because there are a lot of things to have a good laugh at.

I could see typical Rahul Bose mannerisms throughout the movie, but thats all right. Hes a good actor, and the way he bats looks really professional. After all, hes a sportsman hes part of the Indian rugby team.

Weve seen Zain Khan in several ads, although I cant recall them at this moment. Hes a natural actor. Good child actors in India are rare most of the kids you see in the movies are the kind you want to smack on the side of the head and child actors with a great sense of comedy are even rarer. Zain Khan is a great find in this regard. Even Raj Bhansali, who plays the orphanage bully, holds his own in all his scenes.

Dont watch this expecting a Lagaan or a Chak De India. CKKMK is just a small, albeit very thoroughly enjoyable movie. You neednt be a child to enjoy it, but if you watch it along with some kids, the fun will be multiplied. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

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