Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 19, 2019)

Ever since the 2013 Farhan Akhtar-starrer Bhaag Milkha Bhaag made all the right noises at the box-office, Bollywood has been playing the field with sports-dramas, from Mary Kom and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story to Dangal and Gold to name a few. Over the years, this has become a sought-out genre for filmmakers and the number of films in the pipeline speaks volumes for its impressive strike rate. A look:


Hitting bullseye

Director: Tushar Hiranandani

Tushar’s directorial debut narrates the story of the world’s oldest sharpshooters, 87-year-old Chandro and her sister-inlaw, Prakashi Tomar, 82, with Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar playing them. The duo from Uttar Pradesh, also known as ‘Revolver Dadis’, started out in their mid-50s, and have since won over 100 medals in the veteran category across championships in the North zone and at the pre-nationals. With the film Saand Ki Aankh’s team shooting around their houses, the two ladies have been a regular fixture on set.


Panga with Kangana

Director: Ashwini Iyer Tiwari

Kangana Ranaut will soon be seen as a national-level kabbadi player in Panga, which is helmed by Bareilly Ki Barfi fame Ashwini Iyer Tiwari. The film, a fictional tale, follows the story of a family that challenges stereotypes and dares to dream and features Punjabi singer Jassie Gill as Kangana’s husband. Shooting of this Fox Star production kicked off last year. The team is aiming to hit theatres by the year-end.


World champs of  '83

Director: Kabir Khan

Kabir’s first shot at a sports-drama highlights one of the most historic sporting achievements of India. In 1983, the year from which the film borrows its title, the Indian team pulled off an incredible win against the then-defending champions, the West Indies, at Lord’s to lift the World Cup. Ranveer Singh as Captain Kapil Dev leads an ensemble cast, including Jeeva (Krishnamachari Srikanth), Saqib Saleem (Mohinder Amarnath), Harrdy Sandhu (Madan Lal), Chirag Patil (Sandeep Patil), Sahil Khatter (Syed Kirmani) and Ammy Wirk (Balvinder Sandhu). Pankaj Tripathi steps in as coach Man Singh. The film rolls in May and opens on April 10, 2020.


John takes the field in 1911

Director: Nikkhil Advani

After Goal (2007), John Abraham revives his screen tryst with football by joining hands with Bhushan Kumar and Nikkhil Advani for the story of India’s premiere football club, Mohan Bagan, in the 1911 Indian Football Association (IFA) Shield campaign. It kicked off on July 10 and ended on July 29 with an incredible victory over East Yorkshire Regiment, an elite branch of the British army. John plays Captain Shibdas Bhaduri in the film which kicks off in November and will be shot in Kolkata over three months, targeting a 2020 release.


Abhinav Bindra’s gold quest

Director: Kannan Iyer

Based on the life of Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, this one has father-son duo of Anil and Harshvardhan Kapoor as Abhinav and Apjit Bindra. Harsh has been training in air rifle shooting since September 2018 for the yet-untitled biopic, which will focus on how Abhinav’s life changed in two decades—from age 15 to 35. The film releases in the last quarter of the year.


Courtside with Saina Nehwal

Director: Amole Gupte

The biopic of Olympic bronze medalist Saina Nehwal features Shraddha Kapoor in the titular role. The film will showcase the journey of the badminton ace as a Hyderabad girl who took up the sport to fulfill her mother’s dream of becoming a national level player and became World No 1. The film is slated for an early 2020 unveiling.


In the ring with Dingko Singh

Director: Raja Krishna Menon

After Airlift and Chef, Raja Krishna Menon jumps into a biopic on boxing hero Dingko Singh with Shahid Kapoor as the champ who was hailed as one of the most outstanding boxers India has ever produced. Presently being scripted, the film will also shed light on the boxer’s battle with cancer. The makers intend to take it on the floors around April this year.


Footie with Syed Abdul Rahim

Director: Amit Sharma

Amit Sharma is following up the success of his last directorial, Badhaai Ho, with a story inspired by the life of former Indian footfall coach, Syed Abdul Rahim, under whose tenure (1950-1963), the Indian team scaled new heights. Ajay Devgn plays Rahim whose life was cut short at 53 by cancer. Meanwhile, the rest of the casting, of other members who will form the football team, is presently underway. The film rolls in a few months and is eyeing a 2020 release.


Unsung hero Murlikant

Director: Prashant Singh

Currently on hold due to scripting issues, the Murlikant Petkar biopic, Murli: The Unsung Hero, has Sushant Singh Rajput as the lead. It’s about an army officer-turned-sportsperson, who won the gold at the Commonwealth Games (1970) and the Paralympics (1972). He also set a world record in swimming in 1972.


Sania slams it

Ronnie Screwvala has acquired the rights to the biopic of tennis ace Sania Mirza, a former No. 1 in doubles, who has won six Grand Slam titles. The contract was recently signed and it’s a work in progress.


Shuttling to the top with Gopi

Director: Praveen Sattaru

Actor Sudheer Babu, who made his Hindi film debut as a baddie in Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi, will play badminton coach, Pullela Gopichand who has mentored Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, among others. The 39-year-old has already started training in the sport and the bilingual is expected to take off soon. Aditi Rao Hydari is reportedly signed on for the female lead.


Bend it like Bhutia

Filmmaker Anand Kumar is working on football captain Bhaichung Bhutia’s biopic. The Sikkimese striker became the captain in 1998 and has played for India for 16 years.


Gama returns

Salman Khan’s TV production featuring brother Sohail Khan as Gama Pehlwan will roll in April and goes on air in July. The show will be directed by Puneet Issar and will be shot in Punjab and London.


Deepa’s journey

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani are going to produce a biopic on Deepa Malik, who is the first and only woman from India to win a medal at the Paralympic Games. Deepa, who is paralysed from the chest down, has won gold medals at the national level and at the international level in swimming, shot-put and javelin throw. She was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2012 and a Padma Shri in 2017.


Cricketing factor

Director: Abhishek Sharma

Based on Anuja Chauhan’s 2008 novel of the same name (The Zoya Factor), this one is a fictional story of a client service rep who ends up as the lucky mascot of the Indian cricket team during the 2011 World Cup. Dulquer Salmaan plays Nikhil Khoda, a character modeled on MS Dhoni, Sonam Kapoor is Zoya. Shooting has wrapped up and the film will release on April 5.


Batting with Mithali Raj

Viacom18 Motion Pictures has acquired the rights to the biopic of Mithali Raj, captain of the Indian women’s cricket team who made her debut at the age of 16 and soon after hit a century against Ireland, becoming the youngest woman cricketer to do so. She is often described as the Sachin Tendulkar of Women’s Cricket and is first woman to score 6000 ODI runs. Taapsee Pannu has expressed a desire to play her on screen.


Punch ’em with Farhan

Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra teams up with Bhaag Milkha Bhaag actor, Farhan Akhtar, for a fictional sport film, Toofan, set against the backdrop of boxing. The film rolls later this year and presents the challenges a boxer faces in real life. Farhan has already started his training.


Learning soccer from Big B

Director: Nagraj Manjule

Nagraj Manjule’s Hindi directorial debut, Jhund, is based on the life of Vijay Barse, the founder of slum soccer. It has Amitabh Bachchan playing a retired sports teacher who weans street kids off a life of crime and drugs and redirects their talent to build a soccer team. A major chunk of the film is set in Nagpur, and the team recently wrapped up a 45-day schedule in the city. The movie is produced by Bhushan Kumar and is slated to release this year.

Rugby for Abhay

Director: Sagar Ballary

The real life story of Rudrakasha Jena is centred around the historic World Cup win of the under-14 rugby team of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in 2007 in the UK. Abhay Deol has come on board to play the Rugby team coach, and the actor wrapped up shooting for the film in December. Ujjawal Chatterjee, director of Escape To Taliban, is also making a film on the subject.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 28, 2018)

Last year, news of Salman Khan’s first TV production on the life of wrestler Ghulam Mohammed aka the Great Gama had surfaced. Now, Mirror has learnt the show will go on floors in the next few months with Sohail Khan playing the protagonist and TV star Mohammad Nazim of the daily soap Saath Nibhaana Saathiya fame as his brother Imam Baksh.

Gama was born in the village of Jabbowal in Punjab into an ethnic Kashmiri family of wrestlers. He was noticed at the age of 10 when he entered a strongman competition held in Jodhpur. The contest was attended by more than 400 wrestlers and Gama, who was among the last 15, was named the winner by the Maharaja of Jodhpur because he was the youngest. He was subsequently trained by the Maharaja of Datia. He arrived in the UK in April 1910 with two other wrestlers, Ahmed Bux and Gama to participate in the European catch wrestling tournaments.

In a career spanning five decades, he was undefeated. A source associated with the project reveals that it is expected to be a big budget finite series and Puneet Issar is writing and directing the show. “The team shot the pilot last year in Patiala and the Star Plus loved it. Now, the show’s team is sorting out the actors’ dates and working out the logistics. They plan to shoot it like a film in Punjab, on a set in Mumbai and at some stadiums in London,” adds the source.

Amit Karn (MID-DAY; May 9, 2017)

The fascinating life of ‘invincible’ wrestler Ghulam Mohammed aka the Great Gama had caught Salman Khan’s fancy several years ago and he had reportedly expressed desire to make a film on him. However, with fellow actor John Abraham sharing similar aspirations, neither’s plans could materialise — until now.

Well placed sources tell us Salman’s production house has ditched the idea of a big screen adaptation and is taking Gama’s story to the tube instead. “This will mark Salman’s first television project as producer.  The pilot episode has been shot and sent to the channel concerned,” says an insider, who has shared a draft of the pilot with mid-day.

“The story is set in Amritsar, Gama’s home town, during the Partition. The show opens with a rioting scene and a few minutes into it, a 65-year-old Gama Pahelwan makes an entry,” adds the insider.

Salman’s younger brother, actor-producer Sohail Khan is playing the protagonist’s part. Undefeated in a career spanning over five decades, Gama was considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Post Independence in 1947, Gama moved to Pakistan. He died in 1960, at the age of 82. “Casting for future episodes is underway,” says the source.

John Abraham was planning to make a film on Gama Pehelwan
Sarita A Tanwar (DNA; July 16, 2016)


John confirms, “Yes, I have. Because Salman was making a film on wrestling. Aamir was making a film on wrestling and even though Parmeet Sethi has actually written the most beautiful script, now is not the time to make that film. I would love to revisit it at some point of time, but not for now because it’s too soon.”

B-Town hasn’t had a film on wrestling in the last few decades and now, with two coming in the same year, it makes sense to give another film on the subject a break. John nods, “That too with two big superstars. I am very happy to see that films are being made on sports, but would it really help seeing a third one?”

A wrestling film might be off the table for now, but John is fascinated by the sports genre, and that will never be off the table. He says, “I came into this industry because I saw Rocky 4 and Sylvester Stallone. He is my idol, that’s why I made a film called Rocky Handsome. I’d love to see a film on boxing and I think it’s a sport that’s universal. In terms of sport, I’d like to work on boxing and football films.”

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; September 30, 2014)

Salman Khan is known to be generous when it comes to helping newcomers in the industry. He has spotted a lot of talent in the past and buzz has it that thanks to him, India’s first vegetarian wrestler, Varinder Singh Ghuman, who will be seen in Kamal Sadanah’s directorial debut, Roar — Tigers of the Sunderbans, will also star in a film based on Gama Pehlwan.

Sources say that Salman first spotted Varinder during the shoot of Sadanah’s film; the actor apparently discussed casting him in Sohail Khan’s Sher Khan. But their conversation was not taken forward since Sohail’s film got delayed.

That said, Salman recently met the wrestler at the first look launch of Kamal Sadanah’s film, and that’s where Salman apparently spoke to Varinder and roped him in to play a wrestler in Gama Pehalwan.

Says Varinder, “I was rehearsing for an action sequence with actor Allan Amin for Kamal Sadanah’s film at Mehboob Studios when Salman dropped in on the sets since he was shooting for one of his films at the same studio. He then met me and offered me a role in Sher Khan, but the film got pushed ahead. When we met again recently, he offered me a pivotal role in this film based on Gama Pehlwan’s life. I will be playing a wrestler in the film.”

The wrestler says that he was surprised to see that the actor knew a lot about him. “We discussed my diet and a few body- building techniques. The film on Gama Pehlwan will go on the floors first and I am hoping that I will also be a part of Sohail bhai’s Sher Khan,” he says.

Rachana Dubey (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 9, 2014)

Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; May 12, 2014)

Salman Khan and John Abraham have both set their eyes on producing a film on Gama Pehlwan (1880 - 1963), billed as the greatest wrestler of his time. Puneet Issar, who had directed Sallu in the 2004 film Garv, will be directing the actor’s production. Meanwhile, John has asked Parmeet Sethi to direct his film.

Interestingly, both parties claim that they were unaware of each other’s plans. Puneet Issar says, “I have been working on the subject for five years. I registered the script in 2011 with the Film Writers Association. Even the titles Gama, The Great Gama, Rustam-e-Gama, Pehelwan and Great Gama are with us.”

On the other hand, Sheel Kumar, John’s producer partner, said that they have also registered titles for the film. Parmeet said that he was shocked to hear about Salman making a film on the same subject. “I have been working on the subject for three years and the film will soon go on the floors. The titles that we have registered are The Great Gama and Rustam-e-Hind Gama. I don’t understand how two producers can register the same title.”

While John will play Gama’s role in his home production, Sohail Khan will play the lead in Sallu’s film. Puneet says, “Salman suggested Sohail’s name and he has been getting in shape for the last one year. We even have the support of the All India Wrestling Federation. We will be shooting in Patiala.”

In the past...
Salman and John had a fallout after the Rockstar stage shows in 2006. Apparently, Sallu had suggested that actors should take a pay cut in lieu of the poor collections and John had refused to do, thus upsetting Khan. The two made up when John made an appearance on Khan’s TV show, Bigg Boss, in 2011 while promoting his film Desi Boyz.

Harshada Rege (DNA; March 29, 2014)

John Abraham is one actor who puts his money where his mouth is. The actor believes in being fit and that sports education should be part of the curriculum in schools. He’s not just a sports enthusiast, but also a co-owner of Delhi Waveriders, which won the Hockey India League this year. On the movie front, after putting his weight behind films like Vicky Donor and Madras Cafe, the actor is now seeking inspiration from the world of sports. Three of the films that he is producing will focus on sports and sportsmen, who have been recognised for their achievements. He says, “I’ve always strongly supported sports and fitness and with these films I attempt to put the spotlight on subjects that have long been ignored in India.”

No cricket
When asked if these films will be made back-to-back, he says, “We are still in the pre-production stage and these projects are on paper for now.” The actor knows that none of these are formula films, but is keen to make a movie that in Bollywood language would be called hatke. He says, “I believe that content is king. Audiences are evolving and as filmmakers we shouldn’t take their intelligence for granted.” However, none of the three inspiring tales come from the world of cricket. It’s especially surprising considering the fact that one of John’s good friend is Mahendra Singh Dhoni (a movie on MSD’s life is already being planned by Neeraj Pandey). Though the actor doesn’t have any plans to make a movie based on cricket or cricketers as of now, he says he could probably attempt that in the future.

Footie fever
John starred in Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007) directed by Vivek Agnihotri. It was based on football. Bipasha Basu was seen opposite him in the film that failed to create any buzz at the box-office. Now the actor will be seen playing football on screen once again, but this time Shoojit Sarcar will be in the director’s seat. The movie titled 1911 is a true story about the Mohun Bagan team. The movie, which has been written by Soumik Sen (director of Gulaab Gang), is based on Mohun Bagan’s victory over East Yorkshire Regiment in 1911. They became the first native team to have won the IFA Shield by defeating Yorkshire. The Indian players were dressed in dhotis and were barefeet, while the British wore shorts and boots.

Throwing a punch
Wrestle-mania: Next on John’s list is Gama Pehlwan. The movie will be directed by Parmeet Sethi and is another real-life story based on the life of wrestler Ghulam Muhammad Butt, who was popularly known as the Great Gama. After Independence in 1947, Gama moved to the newly created state of Pakistan. The John Bull Belt winner remained unbeaten till death in his career spanning over 50 years. The actor certainly has the physique for the role and we’re sure he’ll bulk up some more.

Professional racing
Dhoom again? John will take his love affair with bikes a step further by paying the mean machines an ode through a film. In December, the actor posted a tweet that read, ‘We need a serious film on motorcycle racing... Am planning one!!! Need feedback’. The post was followed by a picture of the International Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy), which is known to be extremely dangerous because of the high speeds on narrow, twisting streets and lanes flanked by stone walls and buildings. After Dhoom 2, this will be John’s second ride on bikes in films.

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 6, 2014)

John Abraham has landed a heavyweight role— one of the most famous wrestlers of the country, Gama Pehlwan, better known as the Great Gama.

A biopic on the John Bull Belt winner who remained unbeaten till death is in the offing and actor turned director Parmeet Sethi, who wielded the megaphone for Shahid Kapoor-Anushka Sharma starrer Badmaash Company, will be helming the project.Apart from playing the lead, John will be producing the film under his home banner, JA Entertainment.

Parmeet, who also calls the film a sports biopic, confirmed the development and said, “Yes, I am going to direct a film on Gama Pehlwan for John and I am looking forward to it. It’s going to be a very credible film.”

One of the reasons why Parmeet went to John is the kind of films John has been producing- Vicky Donor and Madras Cafe in particular. “John wants good cinema. And that is what I intend to put on the plate.”

The film will be shot mainly in North India. John and Parmeet plan to put the film on floors sometime later this year.

The two go back to the days when they shared screen space in Kaal (2005). The duo later became thick friends on the sets of Baabul (2006).

Parmeet was first noticed in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) in which he played the character of Kuljeet, an arrogant alpha male betrothed to Kajol aka Simran.
 
ABOUT GREAT GAMA PEHLWAN
Gulaam Mohammed alias Great Gama Pehlwan was the best wrestler in the country in those times and remained unbeaten till he died on May 21, 1960. Born in Amritsar in 1882, Gama was awarded the World Heavyweight title in 1910. Gama was also known for having lifted a 1200 kg stone that was lying in Nazarbaug Palace near Mandvi. The stone that has now been kept at Baroda Museum in Sayajibaug is two-and-a-half feet in height.