Ranveer Singh impeccably adopted Kapil Dev’s persona in 83: Kabir Khan

Kolkata: Ranveer Singh’s pitch-perfect looks as Kapil Dev in the film "83" has won plaudits all over, but director Kabir Khan says he got the actor to only adopt the personality of the legendary cricketer, and told him clearly that it was “not any look-alike contest”.

“I told Ranveer at the outset that we are not partaking in a look-alike contest. I want you to adopt the personality of Kapil Dev Sir. Once that is done, everything else will look the same. That is exactly what Ranveer did and delivered an impeccable performance."

Ranveer did not have to put on prosthetic makeup.

"Since it was a matter of playing cricket for 10-12 hours, we did not go for any prosthetic makeup for Ranveer. Even after that, people are saying that we have seen Kapil Dev on screen only, not Ranveer. This is entirely Ranveer's craft,” Kabir told UNI in an interview.

Going ga-ga over Ranveer’s depiction of the character of the World Cup-winning Indian captain, the director said “The way he has adopted everything, the way Kapil Sir speaks, his accents, expressions, made it possible".

After watching Ranveer in the trailer, 83 team member Kirti Azad believed his 'Kaptaan' was sitting. Later, legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli tweeted that while watching the film they felt like they were seeing Kapil Dev on screen.

The auteur claimed the audience throughout the nation got “emotionally connected” with '83' and it has rekindled all the memories of the golden run of “Kapil’s Devils”.

Kabir, whose directorial oeuvre includes gems like "Kabul Express", "Bajrangi Bhaijaan", "Ek Tha Tiger", and "New York", said a good film is one where a filmmaker can convey “exactly what he wants to and the way he wants to”.

“The box office of a film changes every Friday, but the impression a filmmaker leaves with a good film can stay forever".

Kabir is convinced that ‘83’ makes the cut.

Everyone from the "83" team along with captain Kapil Dev watched the film together. An emotional peak is attained when these cricketers see the story of their lives on screen.

“At the same time, the way they connected with the film, rejoiced, hug each other while watching the film indicates that they were getting back those moments,” added Kabir, describing these memories as rewarding. (UNI)