Apne

Stars never die… the simply fade away. Once in a while they shine with brilliance, just as a reminder that they are very much around. That's Dharmendra for you as ex-boxer Baldev Singh who struggles to meet life after being banned from the sport despite winning a silver medal for India in the Olympics.

Its Dharmendra's show all over as he puts up a sensitive portrayal of trying to win back his honour by coaching the first prospective heavy weight boxing champion for the country. At one end is his strained relationship with the elder son Angad (Sunny Deol) who quits boxing since the sport does not support a family and goes for greener pastures, at the other is his rockstar son Karan (Bobby) who aspires to fulfill his fathers dreams.

The plot weaves a script around these family relationships which at times are tedious but do have their strong moments.

The movie is a break from regular romance and love triangles. Shilpa Shetty as the Bahu plays her part OK, Kiron Kher as the wife is good as always and Katrina is subdued and around. Always good to have a Victor Banarjee there. Few of the songs are catchy but on the whole it's a Deol family show and the family bonds show on screen as it does off screen.

"Play Cricket or Tennis in this Country, cause boxing has no future," says Dharmendra and echoes well the pathos of this country when it comes to encouraging people who pursue sports.

Its not a 'Rocky,' but Apne combines Indian family tradition to deliver a strong message about the plight of sportsmen who are struggling today with the lack of encouragement coming their way.

And though it does have its moments of absurdity, on the whole it's a movie that has a feel good factor and should serve as a reminder for those in the Sporting Authority to fund more than just cricketers.