Director Kabir Khan’s '83 is one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2020. The film covers India's historic triumph at the 1983 cricket World Cup.
The World Cup-winning team was led by all-rounder Kapil Dev. Ranveer Singh plays Kapil Dev in '83.
Bonding is vital for any sports team, and as part of the preparation for shooting what is bound to be a sports film, director Kabir Khan has organized a boot camp in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, for the cast.
“The 1983 cricket team was like a family that fought for one another, beside one other, and that’s why they lifted the World Cup and brought glory to India," gushed a source from the production team. "Kapil Dev led from the front and it was truly a team that dared to dream under him. Kabir was sure he would want the entire team to train and live together before he shot the film.
“The 1983 team was nicknamed Kapil’s Devils and this team can be called Ranveer’s Devils! They are all headed to Dharamshala for intense training for 15 days. They will stay together, eat together, do readings together and also bond with one another. Kabir wants these brilliant actors to truly become a team.”
While Ranveer Singh plays Kapil Dev, Pankaj Tripathi plays PR Mansingh, the then manager of the team. Saqib Saleem plays Mohinder Amarnath and Tahir Raj Basin plays Sunil Gavaskar. South actor Jiiva will portray opening batsman Kris Srikkanth while Sacred Games (2018) actor Jatin Sarna, the latest addition to the cast, will play batting all-rounder Yashpal Sharma.
Speaking to Cinestaan.com last year, Kabir Khan had told us that apart from the historic first win, the endearing backstories of each member of that team of world beaters that had fascinated him.
“I have met all of them. Their anecdotes, their stories, form the backbone of the film. What happened on the field is something we all know. The real story is what was happening behind the scenes. How this bunch of boys literally held each other and moved into this position of greatness. Nobody believed in them. They were probably the lowest rated One-Day International team in the world, and yet went on to win the 1983 World Cup,” he had said.
'83 is slated for release on 10 April 2020.