This Friday will see the release of Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal starring John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Boman Irani and Arshad Warsi. The film according to John is, ”In Goal, football is a backdrop. Goal is about victory, emotions, self respect about your colour (racism).” John plays an ace footballer who joins a team of a “bunch of over-the-hill-oldies trying to play the game” after not being allowed to play for England because of his skin color.
To prepare for his role John worked very hard learning the football skills necessary so that he would look authentic as an professional footballer. “I practiced for a month to enact the role of a player and I must say that the life of a football player is not easy. You have such a short span of time to prove yourself and to make it to the top, say if one starts playing at the age of 21 years then he has only eight years to prove his talent. Moreover, one has to cope with immense pressure and stress.”
John is a huge football fan and he feels that after movie goers see the film football will become more popular in India. “ We all just watch cricket but I am sure after the audiences see this film they will concentrate on football.”
Suniel Chettri, a well-known player was at the event and added, “In a country like ours where Bollywood stars are taken more seriously than anything else, I believe after this film people will take the game more seriously.”
About the film John said, “It is a very good film and it takes a close look at a cross-section of Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and other Asians living in England and the racism they face. It also features the problems Asian players face to make it to the team. I am sure people will like it.”
It will be very interesting to see if another film about sports can score a goal at the box-office. Be sure to check out Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal on November 23rd!
