Punjabi film ‘Junoon’ aims to give fillip to sports in state

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, June 26

“An athlete cannot run with money in his pocket, he must run with hope in his heart and a dream in his head,” said Sarabjit ‘Happy’, the athletic coach-cum-producer of the film “Junoon-Ek Soch”.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Pawan Kumar Tinnu released the poster and trailer of the short movie at the press club here on today.

Talking about the film, Happy said the movie was specially made to promote sports in the state. The movie depicts the struggle of an athlete from his childhood days to his becoming an international icon.

“The film is inspired by the ideologies of Bhagat Singh, not only as a freedom fighter but also as a philosopher. It showcases the story of an athlete who is inspired by Bhagat Singh and how despite facing problems pertaining to sports infrastructure and political interference, he was able to achieve his aim with his dedication and motivation got from Bhagat Singh who remained with him as a ‘shadow’ throughout the film,” said Happy.

He said he initially never thought of making a film. “We just planned to shoot a song to promote the dying sports culture in the state. However, with the utmost enthusiasm shown by my students and the ‘Junoon’ team, the song soon turned into a video clip and later a full- fledged movie,” said Happy. The movie is directed by noted film director Sunil Taneja.

Made on the lines of “Munna Bhai MBBS”, a majority of the star cast in the movie was taken from amongst the actual players only. The shooting was done at Punjab Sports School and college in the city and during the actual practice sessions only.

While the main character “Sehaj” was played by none other than Sehajbir, son of Happy, his grown-up character was played by international athlete Davinder Singh. Happy himself has played the role of the coach in the film. The role of the villain was played by Pritpal Singh, another international athlete from Lyallpur Khalsa College in the city.

Since there are no takers for the film commercially, how is he planning to showcase the movie? “I have approached a few multiplexes to allow me a show of the movie at around 7 am in the morning. I have also approached the Punjab Education Department and the Sports Department to organise a free screening for the children,” said Happy. He said he was also planning to release the movie on the Internet for people to watch it free across the globe.

“I have taken loan to produce this film. I am only a player and all I want is to promote sports amongst the youth of Punjab. If my movie can motivate even one youth to take up sports, my mission to make this movie will be fulfilled,” signs off Happy!