August 15, Independence Day, is set to be a stirring experience at the movies. Two sports films, both biopics, will be rousing patriotic spirit what with Akshay Kumar’s Gold and Diljit Dosanjh’s Soorma releasing on the same day.
Gold, set in 1948, tells the historic story of the Hockey team that won the first Olympic medal for India as a free nation on the 12th of August 1948. The story of Gold highlights India's emergence from the shadow of the British Empire as it meets the British hockey team on the field, this time as a nation in its own right. It is an inspirational story of a team that fought against all odds to bring their nation hope, pride and respect.
Soorma tells the story of the international hockey player Sandeep Singh, played by Diljit Dosanjh, who was paralysed and wheelchair-bound for two years after an accidental gunshot injured him in 2006.The film's tagline is ‘The Greatest Comeback Story of the Hockey Legend Sandeep Singh’. Fighting against all odds, Sandeep got back on his feet and made a comeback to international hockey in 2008. India won the 2009 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup under his captaincy and went on to qualify for the 2012 Olympics.
Naturally, it has brought about talk of comparison between the two. However, Diljit who is a huge sensation in Punjab, would rather not get into the whole evaluation scenario. The Udta Punjab actor points out, “He (Akshay Kumar) is a superstar and his work is appreciated by all. People vouch for his commendable work. I, on the other hand, have just started. There can't be a comparison because he is a star, and I, a fresher.”
Diljit believes that the trend of biopics is a positive one. “This trend must last. It is a good thing if it does. People should know about all the people who in some way or the other inspire us. Inspiring stories are needed,” he pointed out.
He even has only words of positivity for those who attempt to stall the releases of biopics and create unnecessary controversies… "Lots of love from my side,” is what he wishes them. Now you know why he is loved so hugely!
