While Kabir Khan has been the face of Ranveer Singh’s '83, producer Vishnu Induri’s film was originally to be helmed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan. Induri reveals that he conceptualised the film in 2013, and, along with Chauhan, knocked at Kapil Dev’s door on several occasions to get his nod. “He liked that we were so persuasive,” says Induri of the multiple interactions.

“We narrated the first draft to him, and were very happy with it. Without Kapil sir’s approval, we wouldn’t have gone ahead with the project. The initial research was done by Sanjay. He travelled all over the country and interacted with Kapil sir multiple times. Following that, he wrote the final draft,” he says of the National Award-winning director.

Induri is unwilling to reveal the reason behind the directorial baton being handed over to Kabir Khan, while Chauhan took credit for the story alone. But buzz in media circles pin it down to the desire to attach a mainstream director’s name with the film. “It is too uncomfortable for all three of us [to discuss it]. When we began the project, it was called 1983. But when Kabir came on board, he changed it to 83. He felt 1983 was not contemporary.”

Induri does, however, admit that things would work out differently if there was a second chance. “I would be more in control. After this film, Sanjay and I are working on some exciting projects. He is one of the best storytellers of the country. I like his sensibilities.”

The script of 83, he says, also underwent changes when the new director took charge. “The essence is the same as the movie is based on two common events. But the vision is different. The film is not just about cricket, but also about how India changed after 1983. It’s the story of a developing nation and the transition that we went through.” 

Induri also avoids discussing details of initially approaching Arjun Kapoor for the role of the leading man. “Kabir played the captain’s innings in the casting of the movie. It is an ensemble cast. It’s not a biopic. Here, each player has his own moment. Kapil is a fantastic human being. And even after 38 years, he still takes care of his team as much as he used to when he played with them. Ranveer shares these traits — he is comfortable in sharing the limelight with each actor.”