The evening at Sathyam Cinemas echoed with hails and chants for the most celebrated heroes of Indian Cinema and Cricket left the crowds in complete enthrallment. From the Cricket Heroes – Former Indian Cricket Captain
Producer Sashikanth, Y Not Studios said, “To stand before my Cricket heroes is something out of world moment for me. Cricket is an emotion when it comes to India and it’s something beyond religion. The memories shared by my father of 83 World Cup still gives me goosebumps and to produce an epic kind of movie is literally amazing for Y Not Studios. The incredible cast and crew of 83 including our Jiiva is going to offer us all a great journey through the celluloid version of glorious 83 World Cup.”
Actor Ranveer Singh said, “This is my first time in Chennai and Kamal Hassan sir has promised me a big party. Well, I am so much overwhelmed with happiness to be a part of this film made by a filmmaker, who is well known for making human stories. It’s been an absolute trip working with the entire team. It’s been an experience for all the boys, who will cherish for their entire life time. 83 World Cup means a lot to us Indians for it meant something more than Cricket. This victory instilled self confidence in every Indian and it escalated the way each Indian saw themselves. Kapil Dev sir is an icon who has never bowled a single No ball in his entire career. To play his role was more challenging as I had to practice a lot and get his bowling action, which wasn’t an easy task. With the help of Kabir sir, I managed to do something. Working together with all the actors in this movie formed a kind of brotherhood among us. I have a special bonding with each and every boy who worked with me in this film.”
Actor Ranveer Singh played a perfect host keeping the entire audi in complete celebration mode by bringing up all his boys (Star-cast) on the stage by giving them the best introduction and the entire moment was spangled with fun and amusement.
Actor Jiiva, who has played the role of Krishnamachari Srikanth said, “I got the offer through Vishnu, which excited me, but I was completely shocked when I told that I have to play the role of Srikanth sir. During the session in Dharmashala with Kapil Dev, he told me a lot about Srikanth sir and that instilled in me more pressure. As soon as we landed up in Scotland, I had a bizarre situation on the first day of shooting itself. I had to practice smoking like Srikanth sir and accidentally, there was a smoke alarm, where the entire hotel was to be evacuated. I instantly confessed to the team and later found that some of our guys were involved in this conniving act. Jokes apart, it is really a great effort by Ranveer Singh to take up such a huge task. Having played this role and being a part of this film, I have gained friends all over the country now.”
Director Kabir Singh, “As a young boy, I was literally amazed with the way the heroes of 83 Indian Cricket team inspired the entire country. The first thing that inspired me while starting the research of this film was the age of Kapil Dev, Srikanth and others in the team, who were just in their 20s during that time. What inspired me was what actually brought them so much intact and focused with greater team spirit. I thank Kamal Haasan sir for extending his support toward the film.”
Cricketer Krishnamachari Srikanth said, “I always talk from my heart. If there was one man who believed that the Indian team is going to win the World Cup in 83, it was none other than Kapil Dev. As soon as the project was announced, I was keen on getting to know who’s going to play the role of Kapil, I came across Ranveer, who has done a fabulous job. What can I say about Kamal Hassan? I have been a diehard fan of him from my college days. Kabir Singh is such a simple person, but the movies he has done is remarkable.”
Cricketer Kapil Dev said, “I thank the entire team for giving us the rebirth by playing our roles. I have visited Chennai many times and this is the first time I felt sad that I didn’t understand Tamil. I love Chennai. Srikanth has been such a great stress buster on and off field and would keep us amused.” Saying this, Kapil Dev made the entire audi in laughter mode, cracking a joke recalling the incident that happened with Srikanth when Late Former PM Indira Gandhi visited them.
Actor Kamal Hassan said, “Some of the incidents that Kabir Singh shared with me about the moments of 83 World Cup made my eyes moistened. There were lots of hardships where Kapil Dev had to wash his own clothes, as the budget allotted to the team for laundry was too low. While he created a record, the BBC media walked away with a predetermined mindset without witnessing the show. Now to see that this team has recorded it, I am extremely happy. I envy Kabir Khan as I would have directed the film. But he is far more passionate about Cricket than me. To play effervescent Srikanth isn’t an easy task and I am so much elated to see Jiiva do it. I always wanted Srikanth to be a part in some of my movies, but didn’t happen due to some reasons”
Post the first look Release, Ranveer Singh unveiled the 40-ft banner of the film 83 within the premise of Sathyam Cinemas, where he left entire crowds jammed with unlimited celebration as he danced for them.
