Doosra 2.0: Bhajji set to make a splash in Tamil cinema
NEW DELHI: Cricketers foraying into showbiz is not a new trend. And now, the acting bug has bitten former cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan with the two all keyed up for their second innings in the Tamil cinema.
Harbhajan’s first film is Karthik Yogi’s Dikkiloona, that stars popular actor Santhanam, while Irfan stars alongside starring Tamil superstar Vikram in a film, tentatively titled Vikram 58.
Karthik and team are excited to have Harbhajan on board. Without revealing much about Bhajji’s character in the film, the director adds, “He plays an important role but at the moment it’s too early to talk about it. All I can say is that it’s a fantasy family entertainer and Santhanam have triple roles. And Bhajji’s character comes at a very important point and his is the surprise element in the film.”
The film goes on floors in November and Harbhajan will join the team in December. “He can speak and understands… he has a huge fan following here given that he plays for Chennai Super Kings and we really wanted him to be a part of the film. He might also dub his own lines,” adds Karthik.
When asked why he decided to enter the world of films, Irfan says, “Even I asked the director and producer why me? The director was very keen. When I met him, my first impression of him was that of a very simple guy. Also, I liked the story and even my role is quite good. They came down to my house a couple of times and so finally after some time I said yes.”
Irfan, who has earlier participated in a popular celebrity dance reality show in 2015, says, “I play a guy from intelligence. The cast and crew are amazing. I love Vikram and I have watched most of the films, obviously the Hindi dubbed versions. And then there is AR Rahman, who will compose music for the film.”
Director Ajay shares that he wanted someone “muscular and smart” for the character and Irfan suited the part to the T. “While looking actors for the part, I had chanced upon some Dubsmash videos of Irfan and felt that he would be apt for the role. He knows a little bit of Tamil and that would help him understand and emote better. We have already started shooting the film, Irfan will join us end of this month (October 24),” he says.
Irfan is not at all worried about the language part at all. “I have traveled a lot. I have stayed in Chennai for a few months, so I know the gist of the language. And once I begin shooting the film, I will get to learn more. I am sportsperson and I know how to work around difficulty,” Lalith Kumar, who is producing this project, says, adding he will begin shooting from October 24.
HARBHAJAN’S FIRST FILM IS KARTHIK YOGI’S DIKKILOONA, THAT STARS POPULAR ACTOR SANTHANAM, WHILE IRFAN PATHAN STARS WITH TAMIL SUPERSTAR VIKRAM