Rudraksha Jena, the coach of the rugby team of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneshwar, will soon take on a starry spirit. Abhishek Bachchan could step into Jena's shoes to take his story to the world.It will be directed by Nila Madhab Panda for whose debut film, ‘I Am Kalam’, made the young actor Harsh Mayar won the National Award for best child artist.
The film is expected to roll out next year and will be shot in India and the UK. In 2007, the under-14 rugby team from KISS lifted the trophy at the International School Rugby Tournament in London. It was a milestone for this one-of-its kind school which provides free accommodation, food, healthcare and education from class one to post-graduation, along with vocational training, to its players.
Apparently, a source associated with the Shabbir Boxwala production revealed that the makers who have bought the official rights to Jena's story have been in talks with Abhishek for the last few months and is hoping to get him to be a part of the biopic soon. The film will highlight how young boys from some of the most backward districts of Orissa who almost missed the flight to London, because they didn't even have valid birth certificates that are mandatory for passports, did the country proud. It is also said that with the Ministry of External Affairs’ intervention, the boys got to the Queen's City in time for the tournament which they went on to win.
A leading portal informed, "The sport has helped change the lives of many kids in Orissa.Rugby is not a popular sport in India but the makers are hoping the film will help generate interest among the aam janta".
