‘Sachin: A Billion Dreams’: What to expect from the film

Ever since the news of a film on Sachin Tendulkar’s life broke out, the entire nation became eager to witness the journey of one of the most celebrated names in Indian cricket history. His upcoming biographical drama – ‘Sachin: A Billion Dreams’ is not just a life story, but a story closely etched in the heart of India.

'Sachin: A billion dreams' encompasses the personal insights on Sachin's family where his mother, brother and wife will be seen talking about how the cricket legend is beyond the field.

The film is bound to unfold unknown facts about Sachin’s life and getting inputs from his family members just adds up to the fans’ curiosity.


Written and directed by James Erskine and produced by Ravi Bhagchandka and Carnival Motion Pictures under 200 NotOut Productions 'Sachin: A Billion Dreams' is scheduled to be released on May 26, 2017.

Sachin Tendulkar's biopic 'Sachin A Billion Dreams' was screened for the very first time exclusively for the personnel of the Indian Armed Forces at the Indian Air Force Auditorium, Subroto Park, New Delhi.

At the special screening, Sachin Tendulkar was joined by Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa along with personnel and their families from Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Indian Navy. Sachin's wife Dr. Anjali Tendulkar too was present at the special screening of her husband's biopic.

The movie was received with a standing ovation followed by chants of 'Sachin Sachin' from the audience and Sachin Tendulkar was presented with a memento by Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa on the occasion.

Appreciating the film, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa said, "It was a wonderful film! Having joined the Air Force before Sachin started playing cricket, I have seen his whole career and it is really very inspiring."

Dhanoa also told Sachin that the biopic was releasing on a very significant day, as 26th May is also the day on which Air Operations commenced during the Kargil war. He recalled he was stationed in Srinagar during the conflict when India beat Pakistan in the World Cup match at Old Trafford, England, and how upbeat they had all felt.

The 1999 match in the ‘super sixes’ stage of the tournament was probably the first time that the two countries played against each other when they were engaged in a war like situation. It was India's third consecutive World Cup win over Pakistan.

Thanking the Indian Armed Force personnel and their families for coming to the screening of the biographical drama based on his life, Sachin said, "It was on this very same podium that I was made an Honorary Group Captain of the Indian Air Force. When I finally agreed to the film after a lot of convincing from my producer, I was clear in my mind that if I do this movie the first viewing has to be for the Indian Armed Forces.” He thanked the Indian Armed Forces for protecting the nation from adversity and allowing him to fulfil his dream of holding the World Cup in his hands. He added, “I am standing in front of you on behalf of a billion plus people of this country to thank you for your contribution to keeping the country safe. You are the real heroes!”

The long-in-the-works project based on Sachin Tendulkar’s journey from a young boy who aspired to play for the Indian cricket team to the man who reached the highest echelons of international cricket, is raring for a release. The film is directed by James Erskine, who has previously mastered the sports genre of films with films on the likes of Marco Pantani, a popular cyclist, and a TV film on tennis legend Billie Jean King. With the expectations of a nation lying heavily on James’ shoulders, just like how they did every time Sachin came out to bat, we tell you what to expect from the film.

A.R. Rahman has composed the music for the film. The song ‘Hind mere jind’ was released on Sachin’s birthday (April 24) and some more masterful compositions can be expected from the musical maestro.

The ugly menace of match fixing hit Indian cricket when Sachin was at the peak of his career in the year 2000. The legendary cricketer has rarely gone on record about this period. Going by the trailer, this phase is expected to be explored in the film.

At the launch of the film’s trailer, director James Erskine stated that there’s a “massive difference” between the autobiography and his upcoming film. James had said, “One thing that I really wanted this film to be about, was not the factual accounting of the life of Sachin Tendulkar. Absolutely not. It’s an emotional journey about a boy who has a dream. He follows his dream and overcomes many struggles and has many ups and downs in his life... so it’s a story of a man and that’s the difference. The book is an account of his career. The film pushes you into his shoes and hopefully makes you feel the way that he felt and helps you remember things about your own life as well.”

The trailer gave a glimpse of Sachin’s childhood, which has been largely kept private except for the news-making innings that he played for his school’s cricket team. From the trailer, it looks like his childhood is the only part that is fictionalised. Obsessed fans would have a field day while watching the film as Sachin has never revealed much about his childhood years. The film is expected to throw light on that lesser known aspect of his life. This is also shown in the trailer at the start when little Tendulkar is seen puncturing a car’s tyre.

The film’s trailer offers different perspectives to Sachin’s personality, with his wife Anjali offering more insight on how he is when he’s not on the cricketing field. Also featured are Sachin’s peers who grew up idolizing him, most notably, M.S. Dhoni who vouches for the demigod-like status of the ace batsman. More appearances from Sachin’s family members and his teammates are expected to follow in the film.