Game for it?

Manpriya Singh

Courtesy, the latest fad in Indian cinema, biopics, have put the much deserved spotlight on long lost gems of sports, often forgotten in the din of over celebrated cricket stars. The story of Prithipal Singh was waiting to be told. The Olympic champion, who crossed the border in 47, witnessed the carnage, made a new home, became a hockey legend, stood by what he thought was right, finally gunned in front of more then 45 eye witnesses. None of them testified.

A factual piece of cinema in little need of creative liberties. “I was very clear about one thing. My hero will not make abs, will not show abs, will not sing songs,” assures Sundeep Misra, the executive producer, on how the reel stays close to real in Prithipal Singh...A Story.

Having authored The Man From Nankana, the biography of the hockey player that mid way gave to the film, he was clear about a couple of things. “We were decided about not introducing even a single unnecessary character in the film.” As for the book, that’s been almost three years in the making, with in-between time for the film included.

So does his murder outweigh his life? He adds, “This is one film and story, where you can’t take the murder away. Of course, that’s a very important part of the film but not the whole of it.”

Perfect shot

Not many know the Indian hockey field player was nicknamed King of Short Corner by the commentators of the time. “He was principled. To the point of others calling him arrogant. Even before his murder, it was told to him by many people,” shares Vikas Kumar, who plays Prithipal Singh, on relatively unknown facets of his personality. “He was so principled that from outside he might be perceived as having shades of grey.”

Coming straight from television serial CID, working on dialogue and diction was a task. “I am from Bihar and playing a Sardar, so I had to work to look the part. For one month, all I did was shoot or stay in hotel and research and rehearse,” he shares, also a dialogue trainer in Bollywood.

“I have trained Lisa Haydon for Shaukeens, cast of Fitoor and all the commentary you see on Star Sports.” Chips in Sundeep, “He was the perfect choice because he does not carry any previous baggage in terms of image that might take away from the character.” Coming up are Delhi Khabar, a college drama and Handover, based on the issue of selling girl child in Bihar.

Anything but love

At first, she appears to be the obvious love interest in the film or the one adding a little bit of glamour. But actress Sandeep Kaur clarifies vehemently. “I do not play the love interest. Nor is my character’s presence unnecessary in the film,” she shares. “I play a college girl and the one who appears to be a brat but stands by her friends. How am I related to Prithipal Singh is what you’ll have to come to theaters for.”

Well, in theatres on October 30.

manpriya@tribunemail.com