STORY : Based in Jammu & Kashmir, the film revolves around Iqbal Khan, an honest Public Works Department employee, who goes out of his way to help the needy and wants his son to be successful in life. But does this dream of his come true? REVIEW : Films based in the valley have one thing in common – scenic landscapes. My Father Iqbal too makes ample use of ‘paradise on Earth’ and treats the viewers to a tour of the state. But apart from that, it doesn’t do much.
Iqbal Khan (Jha) and his wife Sahiba (Thacker) live a simple life in not-so-peaceful times. The unrest in J & K is on the rise and poses a threat to everyone, including innocent civilians. Khan’s good-nature is the talk of the town and he possesses the guts to say no to things that he doesn’t believe in. Unfortunately, his senior and a couple of other influential people aren’t so courageous and are influenced by anti-social elements. They, in turn, take advantage of Khan’s honesty and trick him into doing their ‘job’. Initially hesitant, Khan gives in when his family is threatened.
Jha gets his act right, including the accent, and is convincing. However, the same can’t be said about his chemistry with Thacker. The rest of the cast has little to do and is more or less seen mouthing clichéd lines. There’s also the typical Bollywood fan who, of late, has become a prominent feature in films based in the valley; case in point being the Salman Khan fans in Haider.
The film is an honest attempt and has its heart in the right place. But it takes too much time to unfold. Almost until the intermission, there’s little happening in the film to keep the viewer involved. In the second half, the film picks up pace but ends on an abrupt note. It is heavily laced with shayari and justifies its title only towards the end.
My Father Iqbal can pass of as a story of any regular person caught in tumultuous times but the J&K setting makes it slightly more convincing. If you want a virtual tour of the valley, you can give the film a shot. As far as a total cinematic experience goes, My Father Iqbal misses the mark.
Jha gets his act right, including the accent, and is convincing. However, the same can’t be said about his chemistry with Thacker. The rest of the cast has little to do and is more or less seen mouthing clichéd lines. There’s also the typical Bollywood fan who, of late, has become a prominent feature in films based in the valley; case in point being the Salman Khan fans in Haider.
The film is an honest attempt and has its heart in the right place. But it takes too much time to unfold. Almost until the intermission, there’s little happening in the film to keep the viewer involved. In the second half, the film picks up pace but ends on an abrupt note. It is heavily laced with shayari and justifies its title only towards the end.
My Father Iqbal can pass of as a story of any regular person caught in tumultuous times but the J&K setting makes it slightly more convincing. If you want a virtual tour of the valley, you can give the film a shot. As far as a total cinematic experience goes, My Father Iqbal misses the mark.
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