There’s still nothing to take away from the movement this movie means to Hindi films. Missing it is your own entertainment loss. Given the director’s unfortunate commercial track-record with gems like Maqbool and Omkara, I really hope this time, ‘Vishal overcome!’

This is an altogether atmospheric film; the sorts where the sum of sweetly stirred parts and details is so much superior to the whole. How often do we watch a Mumbai movie whose setting alone we can smell from our seats. It’s the cheapest ticket to experience another place. We should feel lucky to have this.

One, a brilliant comedy and comment on the cultural divide and diversity of India. Two, a strong perspective on team and attitude building. Three, a sharp look at the manner in which all largely ‘unsponsored’ sports, besides cricket, is run in this country, where an international sports tournament is more a sarkari tour for its administrators. Four, a soft take on the under-estimated female brawn. Five, a timely point on unfair trials by the media. That’s five goals that I can count on my fingers straight. Not a bad game at all!

The anticipated result is a wonderfully crafted mall product; much of it goes well with the pop-corn. This is more or less what I felt the posters had promised. They just about meet those expectations. Be extremely wary of the hype though.

Golmaal, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, these are gigantic reference points for any film. This one lives up to them in substantial measure; I can’t think of a better compliment to pay.

You may, or may not be entirely convinced by Mehra’s phenomenally filmed, but rather far-fetched grand finale. But to me, it somehow worked, just as the competently and subtly structured screenplay (Renzil De’Silva, Mehra) that begins to breathe a life of its own. Thanks to a brilliant piece of photography (Binod Pradan) that never draws attention to itself, and a sizzling score (A R Rahman) that does. And above all, no doubt in my mind, Aamir, who exudes a rare candour, irresistible charm and characteristic charisma to take an inspirational subject to an altogether another level.

All said, given that every formula worth a ‘family film’ — about a young boy who meets a young girl as they live (or don’t live) happily ever after — has been flogged to death, this fresh, sparkling and lively resurrection that can at least hold you for the paid-up hours deserves the see-grade. Don’t expect a classic, but I think you should go for it.

As for the lead protagonist Khan (brilliant), let’s just say, in an entire career that spans a string of no-brainer, schmaltzy cinema hot off the shelves of Bollywood’s money-making masala stores, this is by far the most significant film he’s done yet. For this is another inspiring account of what self-empowered underdogs can accomplish through sheer zeal and phenomenal focus. I cannot think of a better film for the longest that deserved a stronger recommendation for both touring cinemas of India’s villages, and plush multiplexes of Mumbai or Manhattan. Finally, an honest, fine example of an unfortunately debunked, bastardised term called ‘crossover’.

An old-fashioned love tale for the tear-ducts. Which, I must pleasantly note, still holds and very mildly moves you.