Chak De India focuses on Kabir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), an aged coach of a girl's hockey team. The film also delves into the life of one of the girls in the team. She is Vidya (Vidya Malvade), a Sikh girl who wants nothing more than her parents' permission to join the hockey team. Shah Rukh Khan plays the character of a Muslim man, disturbed by the sorrows of life - he returns to the game seven years after he was disgracefully ousted as a hockey player. He wants nothing more than to see his country's flag held high with the others during the hockey World Cup. Meanwhile, Vidya's parents are not at all happy when they learn that the girl's hockey team is going to be coached by a man. However, he (Shah Rukh Khan) coaches the girls and they eventually go to Australia to play the women's hockey World Cup. It is here that the girls' determination, dignity, integrity and skills are put to the test. The team undergoes a rigorous exercise regime which is also being shot to be telecasted on a reality show. For the girls, it is a chance to make their nation proud whilst for their coach and mentor, it is a chance to reclaim his lost honour. Chak De India has been shot at various locations in Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. While shooting in stadiums, the movie's producers Yash Raj Films gave out invitations to people to come and watch the shooting from the stadium seats. In this way, they managed to film a stadium full of crowds as hockey spectators. The film's musical score is by Salim-Suleiman. It is directed by Shimit Amin who made the hard-hitting Ab Tak Chhappan. The film's six minute trailer is being screened with the film, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom currently showing in the UK cinemas. Seeing a nationwide this August 2007, Chak De India is said to be part of the Film 4 Summer Screen programme. The film also forms the highlight of India Now, a three month season starting on 17 July 2007 celebrating London's growing relationship with India. The season also explores India's culture and its contribution to life in London. Previewed by Manish Gajjar,
BBC Bollywood Correspondent  | 
