Sachin captures attention on silver screen through his emotion filled biographical film
 |
Movie: Sachin -A Billion Dreams
Rating: ★★★1/2 Genres: Biography Censor: U Duration: 140 min. Studio/presenter: 200 Not Out, Carnival Motion Pictures Producer(s): Ravi Bhagchandka, Shrikant Bhasi Director: James Erskine Cinematography (DOP): Chris Openshaw Screenplay: Sivakumar Ananth Music: A. R. Rahman Cast: Sachin Tendulkar, Arjun Tendulkar, Mayuresh Pem, Ajit Tendulkar, Anjali Tendulkar, Sara Tendulkar Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
‘Cricket is our religion and Sachin is our God.’ We have heard this quote from millions of cricket lovers across our country for more than two decades, when Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar used to display his master strokes, while facing all the top bowlers from different cricket countries in this world. Indeed, Sachin won the hearts of millions of cricket lovers not only in India, but also abroad. Even today, after his retirement we notice the stadium spectators calling his name ‘Sachinnnn..Sachinnn’ whenever they notice him in stadium, during the IPL matches.
Now, producers Ravi Bhagchandka and Carnival Motion Pictures under 200 NotOut Productions have offered a Indian Biographical film on Sachin, suitably titled ‘Sachin: A Billion Dreams’, which is directed by James Erskine. The film begins to show the childhood memories of Sachin, his proper upbringing and how he matured early with a disciplined life, because of his love for cricket. Though all these scenes are shot with other artistes, we soon notice Sachin, his wife Anjali and all his family members joining in to recall their memories of the past. The Kind of respect Sachin had for his parents and his elder brothers Nitin and Ajit, is clearly noticed in few emotion filled scenes.
The film’s screenplay then captures the attention of the audience, covering all his memorable innings, including his debut in Test Cricket on Pakistan Tour. What was more interesting were the comments from all those bowlers from rival countries, whom Sachin faced confidently, during his cricketing career. So, you get to see Wasim Akram, Shane Warne and others talking good about his batting skills. In this film, we also notice his ups and downs, including his memorable innings including the World Cup win in 2011 and at the same time the most shameful incidence of abandoning the semi finals match against Sri Lanka in the World Cup, due to unruly crowd behavior, setting the part of stadium on fire, to display their anger on poor performance by Indian team.
In some of the scenes, Sachin is shown speaking through his heart, about being deeply hurt, after removing him as captain, without informing him. Later, after making a comeback, we notice him reacting to lack of team work from senior players. His modesty is noticed when he refuses to comment on match fixers, stating that he didn’t knew anything about it, as he had no proof. Besides watching stalwarts from Cricket like Bradman and others praising his technique, we find Viv Richards calling him at a time, when he was almost on the verge of announcing his retirement. Those encouraging words from his idol, enabled him to make a comeback and create new records. Those few words in praise of Sachin uttered by Yuvraj Singh, after winning 2011 world cup, captures the attention of audience. Many other cricketers, past and present have spoken good not only about his quality batting , but also his humble nature. Prominent among them were, M.S.Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Harbhajan Singh and others.
The film has cleverly captured Sachin’s emotion filled farewell speech, after his last match in Mumbai, which makes the audience to shed tears in the concluding part. Background music of this film by A.R.Rehman is superb cinematography by Chris Openshaw are the other plus points of this film. For cricket lovers, this film is a real treat and for Sachin fans it’s a big gift from their idol . It will not be surprising to find youngsters turning up in large numbers at cinema theatres across the country, to watch their hero in this film.
Sachin Tendulkar to take on new opponents on a different wicket
We are all aware of the records created by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar on cricket field. Even after his retirement from cricket, his popularity hasn’t diminished a bit. Now, his biographical film ‘Sachin: A Billion Dreams‘ written and directed by James Erskine and produced by Ravi Bhagchandka and Carnival Motion Pictures under 200 Not Out Productions is ready for release on 26th May 2017. The film is based on the life of Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. And hence, there is no doubt that majority of Maharashtrian people will be attracted towards this film. Sachin Tendulkar himself has promoted this film on Marathi television and through other sources. And, the Marathi version of this film is also being released, besides four other languages.
But, another news is that four Marathi films are also releasing on this day. The names of these films are, ‘Tatva‘, ‘Oli Ki Suki‘,’Khopa‘ and ‘Karaar‘. On Tuesday, PRO of the film ‘Khopa‘ issued a press note that the film had postponed its release. But, very next day he confirmed that the film would be released on the scheduled date. The other three films have issued their advertisements in Thursday newspapers confirming their release on 26th May, but there is no indication of show timings.
Now, it remains to be seen, how Sachin Tendulkar will take on these new opponents in the form of these four Marathi films, on a different wicket. But, critics feel that the makers of these four Marathi films should have respected Sachin’s film, the way they respect popular Bollywood big banner films, by not opting to release their films on such days. By the way, two English and two Hindi films are also releasing on 26th May. Even otherwise, Marathi films are not finding audience these days. The IPL cricket has also affected the sale of cinema tickets for both Marathi as well Hindi films. So, will have to wait for the actual results, after this week end.
Master Blaster Sachin Unveils the autobiography of Mahaguru Sachin
On the occasion of completing 50 Golden years in acting profession, veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar has summarized his experiences in words, in his book suitably titled ‘Hach Maza Marg’. It may be recalled that 50 years ago, this versatile actor had made his debut as a child actor, through a Marathi film ‘Ha Maza Marg Ekala’. The book was launched by World’s Greatest Cricketer, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. The highlight of the event was the grand presence of Bollywood’s Shahenshah Amitabh Bachchan. The e-book was released by the famous singer Sonu Nigam.
‘Suvarna Sachin’, programme organised by Zee Marathi on September 5 at Bhaidas Auditorium, Vile Parle,Mumbai, on the occasion, was a grand tribute to the ever green superstar of Marathi Cinema. The event was supported by the entire fraternity, which has worked with Sachin Pilgaonkar over the years. Prominent among them, who were present on the occasion were Ramesh Sippy, Govind Nihlani, Bappi Lahiri, Rajkumar Badjatya, Jacky Shroff, Kanwaljeet, Singer Shailendra Singh, Sulochanadidi, Ashok Saraf, Nivedita Saraf, Suresh Wadkar, Ashutosh Rana, Renuka Shahane, Mahesh Manjarekar, Sachin Khedekar, Sudesh Bhonsale, Reema, Kiran Shantaram, Mrunal Kulkarni and Varsha Usgaonkar .
While speaking on the occasion, Sachin Tendulkar, the king of centuries said, “Sachinji has been enthralling audience for 50 years with his multifaceted talents.” Giving an analogy from cricket he said, “When a batsman has scored 50 runs, the journey to 100 becomes very exciting. The batsman starts predicting the balls, and is only focused towards getting that century. Sachinji has completed 50 glorious years and now the journey ahead is going to be even more rewarding. So I wish him for the best centuries.”
Sachin Pilgaonkar, ha mazha margMr. Amitabh Bachchan said, “Indian Cinema had completed its 100 glorious years and Sachin has completed his 50 magnificent years in it. Which implies that Sachin has been part of half of this journey, this itself is a great achievement and I wish him on behalf of millions of viewers a very best for this grand journey ahead.” Mr. Big B continued his non stop praise for the actor, “He is like my younger brother and I always cherish, when I see him in mounting and rising in every level.”
On this occasion, Mr.Ramesh Sippy, applauded Sachin with a special uncut scene of Sholey. He said, “Sachin is an actor above all things. His style marks a sensitivity that is best reflected through his acting and treatment of films. He is one of those sensitive people, whose work is laced with the emotion and passion. He is a keen observer of the human relationships and his films and entire work reflects the same. He is no doubt one of the most versatile actors of the Indian Film Industry.”
Sachin Pilgaonkar was overwhelmed with this praise showered upon him and moved to tears. In an emotional speech, he said, “This is a golden day of my life. I am dedicating my journey of 50 years to you. Now, my life ahead will be a new chapter for me, of new experiences and new learning . I want to be attached to the camera, till the last moment of my life.”