The first look of Kapil Dev biopic '83, which focuses on the incredible 1983 World Cup victory, was held at Chennai Satyam theater on Saturday. Nagarjuna Akkineni is going to present the film in Telugu under Annapurna Studios banner in association with Reliance Entertainment. Kabir Khan is the director and also one of the producers of this movie. Deepika Padukone, Sajid Nadiadwala, Kabir Khan, Nikhil Dwivedi, Vishnu Induri, 83 films limited and Phantom films are jointly producing it.
The film will release on 10th April in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil. The first look launch event was attended by Kapil Dev, Krishnamachari Srikanth, Kamal Haasan, Ranveer Singh, director Kabir Singh, Hero Jiiva, YNOT Studios Sashikanth among others. Ranveer Singh launched the first look on at 40 feet banner. The 'Gully Boy' actor also hosted the event and introduced the other actors who are playing Kapil Devils, the other team members.
Ranveer Singh said, "This is the first time I've been to Chennai. I am very happy to have met Kamal Haasan sir. I'm honoured to be a part of such a great film. I will never forget working with this team. 1983 world cup victory was an emotional moment for Indian cricket fans. That victory instilled confidence in many. Kapil Dev sir is an icon. He never bowled a no-ball in his entire career. It is a testament to his greatness. Playing him has been a big challenge to me. I've practiced a lot and put in a lot of effort to get his bowling action right. Kabir Singh has guided me well".
Jiiva, who played Krishnamachari Srikanth, said, "I got the opportunity to act in this movie thanks to Vishnu Induri. I was shocked, when I was asked to play Krishnamachari Srikanth sir. We met Kapil Dev sir when we were in Dharmashala for a workshop. He said many things about Srikanth sir. The pressure on me increased after knowing those details. So I felt uncomfortable when we started shooting in Scotland. I practiced a lot to resemble Srikanth's batting style. Ranveer has put in a lot of effort. I've made friends with other Indian actors after working on this movie".
Director Kabir Singh said, "As a child, I was surprised seeing how the 83 world cup victory inspired the entire country. When I was doing research for this movie, I was inspired knowing everyone in the team, including Kapil Dev sir and Srikanth sir were in their 20s. I thank Kamal Haasan sir for supporting our film".
Krishnamachari Srikanth said, "The only person who believed that India would win world cup in 1983 was Kapil Dev. When this movie was announced, I was curious to know who will play Kapil Dev. Ranveer Singh has gotten into the role of Kapil Dev superbly. I've been a big fan of Kamal Haasan sir since my college days. I thank him for supporting this movie. Kabir Singh looks like a simple man. But his work for '83 movie is super. It will be a memorable film".
Kapil Dev said, "I thank the actors who played the roles of the members of our team, which won the world cup in 1983. They have given us a re-birth. I've been to Chennai many times but for the first time I'm feeling bad for not being able to understand Tamil. I love Chennai. Srikanth was like a stress-buster to all of us in those days". Kapil also remembered an incident with Srikanth, when they met the then Prime Minister, Late Indira Gandhi.
Kamal Haasan said, "I had tears in my eyes when director Kabir Singh was telling about some scenes in '83 movie. The laundry budget for Indian team in those days was very low . Kapil Dev used to wash his clothes himself. The Indian team toured England despite many limitations and had overcome many issues. Though Kapil Dev created a record then, BBC didn't record it. But '83 movie has recorded that achievement. Kabir Khan likes cricket more than me. Playing Srikanth is not an easy thing. I congratulate Jiiva for doing that".
