After completing his period drama, Tanhaji, Ajay Devgn will kickstart the biopic of Syed Abdul Rahim, who was India’s football coach between 1950 and 1963. Directed by Amit Sharma of Badhaai Ho fame, the film will go on the floors in the first week of June.
According to the reports, the movie will roll in August and the shoot will happen across Mumbai, Kolkata Hyderabad and Delhi. The makers have also locked in a few international stadiums, etc.Ajay Devgn will shoot in all the real life locales and hardly any sets will be used. Also since the movie is based in the time frame of 1950 and 1963, a few visual aids will be used to show India of that time. What is inspiring is that Syed Abdul Rahim coached the Indian football team to help them win the Asian Games in 1951 and 1962, reaching the semi-finals of 1956 Summer Olympic Games.
The yet-untitled film will feature a lot of footballers from across the globe and the director is in the process of finalising the cast. “We are looking for players who can act and vice versa. We have charted out a training plan for the entire cast and are in talks with someone who can help the actors develop their skills, build up stamina and understand the gameplay keeping their overall physical health in mind. We are also in the process of finalising a sports choreographer from Hollywood,” says the director.
Looking at Ajay Devgn’s film choices, it is clear that he wants to make movies which are gritty and directly resonate with his fan base. While there are biopics in his kitty, he also will be seen in De De Pyaar De which is a romantic comedy. His recent release Total Dhamaal did a good business at the box office, therefore re-establishing his status again!
