Director Shaad Ali’s biopic on former Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh is to be called Singh Soorma. The film, starring singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and Taapsee Pannu, went on the floors on November 13. It is being shot in Shahabad, Haryana. Sandeep, under whose captaincy India beat hockey giant Malaysia to win the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2009, was famous as a ‘drag-flicker’ and also for converting penalty corners.

The filmmakers had earlier decided to name the biopic Flicker Singh. However, after much discussion, the team decided to go with Singh Soorma which roughly translates to a brave person doing something selfless for the country. A source revealed, “The team felt this was an apt title for the film knowing the hurdles that Sandeep has faced in his life.”

Sandeep, one of the most dangerous drag-flickers of his time, was the golden boy of Indian hockey. He was hit by a stray bullet while on a train journey to join the national team for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Two years later, Sandeep made a successful recovery and then went on to represent India in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. It was no surprise that Shaad decided to make a film on this heroic and courageous sportsperson.

Singh Soorma is a love story about two ace hockey players in which the woman helps the man to achieve his dream and go on to lead the country. It’s a romantic journey of loss and love, dreams and hope, more than a sports biopic. Diljit, who won hearts and awards with his Bollywood debut Udta Punjab and was critically acclaimed for his role in Phillauri opposite Anushka Sharma, plays the title role opposite Taapsee. The actors underwent extensive hockey training for their roles. The film is being produced by Chitrangda Singh who was herself last seen in a special appearance in Munna Michael.