ApunKaChoice

Mumbai, Oct 4: Cricket fever is catching up in Bollywood. Plans are afoot to make a movie about a small-town cricketer’s rise to international fame.

It may sound like the story of the new Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but director Ajit Pal insists it is not. The movie, says the director, is about the rise of an underdog.

Newcomer Harman Baweja – who will make his debut in dad’s movie Love Story 2050 – has been signed to play the role of a struggling cricketer from Jaisalmer who goes on to become one of the best players in the world by dint of his dedication, hard work and self belief.

The movie will have Amrita Rao playing Harman’s friend. Anupam Kher will play the father of a cricketer.

Talks are underway to rope in a number of cricketers from Indian, Australian and New Zealand teams. Director Ajit Pal says he has spoken to some players in these teams and has got a positive response.

To get under the skin of his character, Harman has already begun training under former Indian cricketer Pravin Amre, who is teaching the actor the techniques and fine points of the game.

The movie, yet untitled, is set to go on the floors before this yearend.