Sports director Dhruv on crafting cricket sequences for 'Ghoomer'

Sports director Dhruv discusses designing Ghoomer’s cricket sequences, keeping Saiyami’s bowling skills in mind

In telling the story of a differently-abled cricketer, director R Balki wanted to highlight the resilience of human spirit with Ghoomer. But while the emotional narrative took centrestage, authentic depiction of the sport was equally crucial in the Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher-starrer. Enter Dhruv Panjuani, who took over the film’s sports direction.

While the director had appointed a team to train Kher as a bowler, Panjuani focused on the execution of the cricket sequences. “The most important aspect was to capture cricket and take it to the next level. So, we made sure that the rehearsals happened according to camera positions. We were focused on the best way to capture special moments of the protagonist and other players on field,” says Panjuani, who has previously worked on Ranveer Singh-led 83 (2021).

Since the leading lady was proficient in the game, it became easy for the sports director to conceptualise important sequences on the field. “When I came aboard, we began preparing for the execution of the film. Saiyami was so convincing [as a cricketer] that we dived into designing shots, breaking down the camera angles and to show her skills in the best light possible. Each actor has their strengths and weaknesses [in depicting sports on screen], but Saiyami was flawless.” Panjuani’s role also extended to picking the supporting cast, which included some real-life cricketers. “Balki sir understood the value of getting real-life cricketers in the cast. I was part of the decision-making as to which actor should be cast alongside Saiyami in her team, and who should play the third batter versus the fourth because the former is more important.”

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