Cricket, like Bollywood, is an obsession for a wide majority of Indians. DIL BOLE HADIPPA tries to capture the spirit of the game and the ambitions of a sportsperson, who's keen to play for her pind. On paper, the concept, which bears a strange similarity to SHE'S THE MAN, sounds interesting, but the problem is it’s writing, which is tame and average.

It's compulsory for cricket-based movies like LAGAAN and VICTORY, which conclude with a cricket match, to have a exciting finish. DIL BOLE HADIPPA too has an awe-inspiring end.

Also, the tale of a common girl who aspires to play cricket for the national team is inspiring, with Rani Mukherji handling her part with total understanding.

But there's a flipside too. The romantic moments between Rani and Shahid Kapoor lack sparkle. Even the varied characters in the movie, like Sherlyn Chopra, Vrajesh Hirjee and Rakhi Sawant, contribute nothing to the movie. They're simple supports.

Final remark? You anticipate DIL BOLE HADIPPA to score a century, like several movies churned out by Yash Raj. But it settles down in the half-century range. Firmly average!

Veera [Rani Mukherji] is a firecracker of a girl who lives in a small village, but chases big dreams. She works in a local theatre group, but dreams of playing cricket in the huge league. Yes, believe it or not, she wants to play with Tendulkar and Dhoni for India.

While Veera dreams on in India, Rohan [Shahid Kapoor] is a talented captain of a county cricket team in England. Rohan returns to India to captain his father's cricket team, which has been losing repeatedly for the last 8 years.

 In a village where girls don't play cricket, Veera has to put on a turban and beard and become a man to fulfill her dreams. Her brilliance on the field earns her a place in Rohan's team and Veera Kaur becomes Veer Pratap Singh. But what happens when the secret is out?

DIL BOLE HADIPPA has a patchy script. It's interesting initially, but takes the beaten path later. Rani's obsession for cricket is well established at the outset. So is the friendship between Anupam Kher and Dalip Tahil [who heads the Pakistani team]. Also, the initial scenes between Anupam and Shahid are well integrated in the tale.

The movie shows promise when Rani transforms from Veera to Veer. All this happens in the initial 20-25 minutes, but the story comes to a screeching halt afterward.

Problem begins... Shahid loses his heart to Rani and the movie suddenly turns into a love story. Sherlyn surfaces in between to spice up the proceedings, but nothing happens. The quarrel during the finale - when Shahid learns the truth - doesn't make the desired impact either. Even the repetition of the mother [Poonam Dhillon] in the story looks like a complete compromise from the writing point of view.

However, the match between the Indian and Pakistani teams in the climax is well carried out and though the viewer is well conscious what the ending would be, it keeps you hooked nevertheless. Unluckily, the final speech by Rani [after the match is won] is outright expected. The movie would've benefited with an innovative end.

 Anurag Singh shows sparks of brilliancy at times, but how one wishes the debutante director and his writers would've come up with a solid script.

Pritam's music doesn't help either. Barring the title track, the balance songs are plain normal. Cinematography is pleasant.

DIL BOLE HADIPPA belongs to Rani and as always; she delivers a dazzling performance as Veera as well as Veer, carrying both the roles naturally. Shahid plays second fiddle to Rani, which is very astonishing. Nonetheless, he enacts his part well. Anupam Kher and Dalip Tahil lend honest support. Poonam Dhillon has nothing to do. Rakhi Sawant and Sherlyn Chopra are wasted. Vrajesh Hirjee is passable. Shri Vallabh Vyas does well.

In general, DIL BOLE HADIPPA is a common film. At the box-office, the movie has some chances in North mainly thanks to the Punjabi flavor.