Abhishek Bachchan whose amazing film ‘Ghoomer’ was premiered at Melbourne Indo-Film-Fest justifies why his “acerbic cricket-coach character has zero sympathy” for Saiyami’s 'one-arm character in same R.Balki directed movie -- by Chaitanya Padukone

Star lead versatile actor Abhishek Bachchan seemed overwhelmed with joyful emotions at the “love and reception” from the discerning overseas elite audience. Junior Bachchan expressed his “deep gratitude”  when his much-much-hyped movie ‘Ghoomer’ directed by  R . Balki premiered yesterday. This was part of the grand opening at the prestigious Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (Australia) (IFFM) 2023 which was ushered in an extravagant ambiance. The grand opening witnessed R Balki’s ‘Ghoomer.’ The glam-glitter evening witnessed the presence of  Shabana Azmi, Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher, and Angad Bedi, among others, as they set the mood for a colorful classy cinematic journey which will be followed by screenings of over 101 films at the festival across over 20 diverse languages. While sharing his happiness of being at IFFM, Abhishek shared, “I’m grateful for this platform for the world premiere of our film. Ghoomer is a labor of love. This has been Balki’s dream for a long time. I don’t think there’s any better way of giving back to a game you love so passionately, by making a film dedicated to it.”

In India, the engaging yet inspiring trailer of the handsome Abhishek Bachchan- beautiful Saiyami Kher-macho Angad Bedi sports drama movie Ghoomer has generated a phenomenally positive response from millions of movie-buffs and sports lovers The potential ‘game-changer’ movie ‘Ghoomer’ directed by “maverick genius visionary”  R. Balki takes us into the inspiring story of a passionate female cricketer (Saiyami Kher) who aspires to play for the Indian Cricket Team.

At the trailer launch event,  the modest, charismatic Abhishek Bachchan whom I know even very well, even before he was launched in his debut movie Refugee’, personally came and gifted me a specially autographed white cricket ball ( ‘Ghoomer’ souvenir). That’s because Junior Bachchan was impressed with the question I asked him during the sawaal-jawaab media interaction session at the PVR-Juhu Theatre.

Shared Abhishek, “ Mine is a stern, slightly brash, harsh, acerbic cricket coach called “Paddy”.  Whose prime mission is to mentor and motivate the especially-abled Saiyami Kher’s screen-character. “Anina”. To overcome all odds, bounce back and emerge as an amazing left-handed bowler.  Despite her major physical handicap, my character has no sympathy and offers no special treatment for her. The handicap is not an excuse to get sympathy. Rather she has to bravely face and overcome all odds like a normal player. Besides the drama and unique entertaining elements and amazing music by Amit Trivedi, the film ‘Ghoomer’ is all about hope, inspiration and adopting a never-say-die attitude.! At times, the film directed by ‘maverick genius’ R Balki may appear to defy logic, but then its sheer magic,” insists Abhishek who is also a co-producer of  ‘Ghoomer’.

The challenges faced by real-life excellent cricketer Saiyami Kher ( whose screen character has lost her right hand in an accident ) “was that in real-life she is right-handed . But out here in ‘Ghoomer, it was an emotional intensity-role and a physical challenge to play a left-handed bowler”.  Interestingly Angad Bedi ( from an illustrious Bishan Singh Bedi cricket -family )  who is an amazing cricketer in real-life does not get to play cricket at all in Ghoomer, but is an emotional anchor and a driving force to Saiyami ’s character and there are undercurrents of sensitive romance.