Ranveer Singh to play cricketer Kapil Dev in Kabir Khan’s next

Filmmaker Kabir Khan’s last project ‘Tubelight’ starring Salman Khan in the lead may not have become a superhit, but the filmmaker has moved on with his future projects. Since a week, there have been various reports about him making a biopic on the memorable and legendary victory of India in the World Cup in 1983.

Now, it has been confirmed that the movie is very much going to be made and Ranveer Singh has been finalised to essay the role of legendary cricketer Kapil Dev in the sports-based film. Earlier, there were reports of Arjun Kapoor being roped in for the character modelled on Kapil Dev, however, now there is a confirmation that Ranveer Singh will play the part.

Kabir Khan has already finished scripting of the film and has expressed Ranveer Singh to be the perfect choice for the role of the cricketing legend. The director said, “As a young schoolboy when I watched India win the 1983 Cricket World Cup, I had no idea that from that day onwards cricket in India will change forever.  As a filmmaker, for me, the journey to that win, filled with raw energy and sheer passion of that young Indian team, is probably one of the most exciting stories I have worked on. And it’s great to have Ranveer come on board to play Kapil Dev, as honestly I could see no one else for the role, ever since I started finalising the script.”

The movie will be produced by Phantom Films and Vishnu Vardhan Induri, who is the founder and managing director of Celebrity Cricket League (CCL). Vishnu Vardhan Induri said, “Our dream of wanting to make a movie on the incredible journey of the Indian cricket team during the 1983 World Cup only gets bigger with Kabir Khan and Ranveer Singh coming on board. With his energy and passion we feel that Ranveer would perfectly fit the role of Kapil Dev who is one of the greatest sporting legends India has ever produced.”

Vikramaditya Motwane of Phantom Films shared, “’83 is the greatest Indian underdog sports story ever and we’re delighted to be making it with Kabir and Ranveer. Taking on the mantle of playing a legend like Kapil Dev isn’t easy but if any actor can do it, it’s Ranveer. I’m sure his portrayal is going to be endearing and brilliant and we can’t wait to see it on screen.” The film will be shot at real locations and will start rolling early next year.

It’s going to be really exciting to see one of the most iconic moments in cricketing history to be recreated on celluloid. And with Ranveer Singh taking on the mantle of Kapil Dev, it only adds to the frenzy. The actor is yet to reveal details about the same, but we are sure his fans are going to be damn excited to see him essay a cricketer onscreen, something he hasn’t done before. (Also Read: No, Ranveer has not wrapped up ‘Padmavati’. Here’s why he actually shaved his beard)

Prajakta Ajgaonkar

Passionate about writing, and a Bollywood lover, she is all that is sweet and endearing! She desires to put her best foot forward in everything that she does and loves to help anyone who’s in need.