Bouquets : Good storyline, good screenplay, good film overall. pretty decent watch.
Brickbats? well....
This movie could have been a fantastic one - instead of just a decent one! It lacked the PUNCH.
The surprise elements were missing. Everything was quite obvious. The match between girls and boys team, and the commendable integrity with letting the girls loose was appreciative. Other than that, it was just Obvious.

The actors did a terrific Job though. Including Mr. Shahrukh Khan. His performance in this film reminded me of his excellence as an actor - which to my mind was fading after his initial Darr, raju ban gaya gentleman, etc. days.

One of the few things that I would change in the story line:
I would let the team India loose the final match against Australia. I would have let it take the second place. And keep the hopes high for the next world cup.
Reasons:
1. The team that has never played world cup wins the world cup against 6 times former champions - , now c'mon people - how bollywoodish is that!
2. The spirit of yet to win...remains lingering a lot longer. It did not leave the after effect. The film could have been a lot more memorable - (a la Rang de basanti). India is not a winner yet. India CAN be.

Another thing which I would have liked - is for the screen play to accommodate some nitty gritties of Hockey.

So Indians know all about Cricket. All terminologies. All great players. This film could have delved a little more into the history, the great personalities, the excitement that goes into hockey. It missed that crucial element - which leaves me a little hungry of authenticity.

Lastly, but most Importantly - I would have handled one subject rather than addressing so many of them.
This film spoke about the following subjects to me:

State of Indian Muslim: An Indian Muslim player when missed a goal against Pakistan - he's termed as traitor.

Hockey Vs Cricket

Girls Professional sports Vs. Boys Professional Sports

That's too many to handle. And thus the attention kept shifting. I would say that the screenplay had room for improvement in this respect.

And I think, I Think, the title song - could have been Oh so much punchier. It almost seemed sad!

Otherwise, the memorable aspects of the Film:
Unity in diversity: girls from different states, backgrounds coming together - a true India.
A convincing portrayal of the condition of sports authorities in the country.
The charming part of the girls & boys match, the restaurant fight, the clash among the players, the killing training session (Awesome - short yet effective).

So that's my two bits. Take note. Or not. :)

- Om Puneet Saraf
(www.filmagain.blogspot.com)