'Jhund': What do we know of Amitabh Bachchan-starrer so far?
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan will start 2022 with his much-delayed sports drama, Jhund. Based on the life of soccer coach and NGO Slum Soccer founder Vijay Barse, who trained countless street kids in football, the film fought hard and long to secure a release. Now, the Nagraj Popatrao Manjule-directorial will hit theaters on March 4. Before that, here's everything to know about it.
Makers dropped thrilling trailer last week
One of Jhund's producers, T-Series, released the trailer for the flick on February 23. In the three-minute clip, we could see Barse (Bachchan) trying hard to channel the frustration and anger in kids belonging to the underbelly toward football. Of course, he faces various obstructions, with societal prejudices and class differences rearing their heads. The rest of the tale will show whether Barse succeeds.
Catch the trailer here
Ajay-Atul duo composed music for film
Apart from Big B, Jhund also stars Akash Thosar and Rinku Rajguru. Notably, Thosar and Rajguru were part of Manjule's film Sairat, too. National Film Award-winning duo Ajay-Atul is composing the music with Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti handling the cinematography. Produced by Manjule, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Savita Raj Hiremath, Raaj Hiremath, Gargee Kulkarni, Meenu Aroraa, and Sandeep Singh, it is distributed by ZEE Studios.
Who is Vijay Barse?
Nagpur-based retired sports professor, Barse, has trained numerous children in soccer. Through his NGO Slum Soccer, the coach even sent his players to the Homeless World Cup tournament. Explaining his vision, Barse once said: "Providing [the children] with a chance to play football will not only enhance their fitness but also skills like team-building, self-esteem, friendship, togetherness with the society, self-confidence, and creativity."
Copyright case had stalled 'Jhund' release
Filming for the inspiring story concluded in 2019 with makers eyeing a May 2020 release. But plans were halted after Hyderabad-based filmmaker Nandi Chinni Kumar leveled copyright infringement allegations against makers, taking the matter to court. Based on Kumar's claims, the Telangana High Court had stalled the release of Jhund, following which the Supreme Court refused to lift the stay order in November 2020.
