In a remarkable stroke of serendipity, Ravi Bhagchandka, known for crafting the documentary Sachin: A Billion Dreams (2017), found his next project in a rather unexpected place—the Berlin International Film Festival. Bhagchandka, now venturing into fictional storytelling, is co-producing the Indian adaptation of the Spanish film Campeones (2018) titled Sitaare Zameen Par, alongside actor-producer Aamir Khan.
Recounting the moment that led him to this new venture, Bhagchandka shares, “At the Berlin Film Festival 2018, I saw the film’s trailer at the market. It was a sharp trailer. The next day, I went to the screening and liked the film.” It was not just a liking; it was a moment of epiphany that beckoned him to adapt the film into an Indian setting.
Campeones tells the uplifting story of a temperamental basketball coach who is tasked with training a team comprising players with intellectual disabilities and taking them to the Special Olympics. The film’s heartwarming narrative and its potential for adaptation struck a chord with Bhagchandka. “I have an attention problem. So, when I read the script in one go, I knew it was a crackling story. I bought the rights soon after. Eventually, Aamir sir saw it and loved it,” he recalls.
The original Spanish film was lauded for its compelling storytelling, winning three Goya Awards, Spain’s highest film accolades. Stepping into the coach’s shoes in RS Prasanna’s directorial venture is none other than Aamir Khan, a name synonymous with meticulousness and perfection in Bollywood. Khan’s involvement brings a distinctive edge to the project. Reflecting on his collaboration with the superstar, Bhagchandka says, “When Aamir sir is exploring a subject, the experiences, insight and eye for detail he has is fantastic. It’s not just about weaving in the nuances into a story, it’s also about communicating it to the audience. He will make things stand out in the story, which didn’t register with you when you read it before. He can tell the same story, but with a fresh takeaway.”
Adding more depth to the cast is Genelia Deshmukh, who will be starring alongside Khan. As anticipation builds for the film, it is rumored to be set for a Christmas 2024 release. However, Bhagchandka suggests caution, “It’s too early to take a call.
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This marks a notable hiatus since Bhagchandka’s last blockbuster, Sachin: A Billion Dreams. It’s been seven years since the documentary about the cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar hit the screens, setting a benchmark for sports documentaries in India. Despite the documentary’s initial commercial success, Bhagchandka highlights a persistent reluctance within the Indian film industry to embrace the genre. “The budgets allotted aren’t enough to buy archival sports footage. Crime documentaries are relatively easier and cheaper to make. On its release, the docu did well. But our industry is more interested in fictionalizing a sportsman’s story than telling it the way it is.”
Despite his affection for documentaries, it appears that fictional stories have piqued Bhagchandka’s interest for now. The dedication with which he approaches his projects is evident. Films like Sitaare Zameen Par require more than just a mere adaptation; they demand a cultural transposition that resonates with the local audience. This is where Aamir Khan’s involvement becomes crucial, acting as a bridge that ensures the story’s essence remains intact while adapting it to fit Indian sensibilities. Khan’s rich experience and ability to dive deep into his roles are expected to bring a fresh perspective and finesse to the coach’s character, making it both relatable and inspirational for the audience.
Beyond his own ventures, Ravi Bhagchandka serves as a critical observer of the industry. His insight into the industry’s dynamics shows his awareness of the gaps and potential. The resistance towards documentaries, despite the success of Sachin: A Billion Dreams, reveals an area ripe for evolution in Indian cinema. Highlighting the logistical and financial challenges of creating such projects, Bhagchandka’s observations pin down a crucial issue: the inclination towards fictionalizing real-life stories over raw, unembellished documentation.
As Sitaare Zameen Par gears up for its eventual release, anticipation is bound to rise. The film promises to be more than just an adaptation; it will likely be a testament to how cross-cultural storytelling can be enriched by local flavors and profound insights. With Aamir Khan on board, viewers can expect an emotional yet invigorating journey that underscores the unique abilities and potential of every individual, regardless of intellectual disabilities.
In summary, Sitaare Zameen Par stands on the cusp of bridging cinematic worlds—drawing from a celebrated Spanish narrative and reimagining it within the vibrant tapestry of Indian cinema. All eyes will be on this film to see how the creative amalgamation between Ravi Bhagchandka’s vision and Aamir Khan’s storytelling prowess unfolds on the big screen.
