Dutt’s fans, of whom there’s no dearth, can expect something special from Bollywood’s resident Munnabhai. This time he is in terror-infested Afghanistan (the film was actually shot in the violent country) teaching little children the joys of football in lieu of the other favourite pastime: suicide bombing.
While I don’t see Torbaaz getting released in Afghanistan, the trailer most assuredly exudes an emphatic energy as Dutt puts his all in spreading a kick-ass, rather kick-ball jadoo ki jhappi in the strife-ridden country. The message of peace is most welcome at a time of rabid hatred and communal animosity. Sanjay Dutt is in his element: a uniformed Santa spreading love among children in the land of bombings and shootouts. Not bad.
He has a well-matched antagonist in Rahul Dev who looks every inch the Pathani messiah of mayhem. His Afghani accent could induce a giggle fit in the midst of the dramatic tension.
Sanjay Dutt is happy to see his film being released. Says the actor, “The story of Torbaaz is closely aligned with the reality of Afghanistan, and the beautiful depiction of cricket as a means of deliverance is as true for the children as it is for my character, Nasser Khan, who bounces back from personal tragedy.”
Like his character Nasser Khan, Dutt has also bounced back recently from a personal crisis. “I am truly grateful for all the love and support that I have received over the past few months, and I am glad to be returning to the screen with this powerful film. We have a strong partner in Netflix and am glad that the film will reach discerning audiences around the world, where the story can resonate across boundaries.”
Adds producer Rahul Mittra, “These kids had nothing. He brought them cricket, in the hopes of a better life. Torbaaz is a very special film and am elated that our labour of love is premiering soon on Netflix.”
Rahul Mittra also plays a pivotal role as Afghan army general in the film. The film’s leading lady Nargis Fakhri is nowhere to be seen in the trailer. Probably, gone to another refugee camp for girls to teach them basketball while Dutt coaches the boys in cricket.
Says director Girish Malik, “Torbaaz is a film very close to my heart, a film about hope and human triumph. Based in Afghanistan, the film depicts the current issue of terrorism and children future involved, while focusing of how sports can be used as a platform to reform the reform.”
Shot across various historical locations including the Silk Route in Central Asia, Malik says the film has changed his life.
“Torbaaz has been an astounding journey for me. With the immense support of Mr Sanjay Dutt, Netflix and my partners, producers, we were able to realise this dream and we hope the audience cherishes this journey of hope. The soul of the film surely would enthral the audience,” concluded Malik.
Image source: SpotboyE archieve