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Ghoomer
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| Ghoomer | |
|---|---|
Threatical release poster | |
| Directed by | R. Balki |
| Written by | R. Balki Rahul Sengupta Rishi Virmani |
| Produced by | Rakesh Jhunjhunwala Abhishek Bachchan Gauri Shinde Ramesh Pulapaka Anil Naidu |
| Starring | Shabana Azmi Abhishek Bachchan Saiyami Kher Angad Bedi |
| Cinematography | Vishal Sinha |
| Edited by | Nipun Ashok Gupta |
| Music by | Amit Trivedi |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Pen Marudhar Entertainment |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 134 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Box office | est. ₹7 crore [2] |
Ghoomer (lit. 'Spinner')[a] is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language sports drama film written and directed by R. Balki.[3] It stars Shabana Azmi, Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher, and Angad Bedi.[4]
The film had its world premiere as the opening film at the 12th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne on 12 August 2023[5] and was released theatrically in India on 18 August 2023.[6][7] At 69th Filmfare Awards, the film received three nominations, including Best Actor (Critics) for Bachchan and Best Supporting Actress for Azmi.[8]
Plot
[edit]Anina "Ani" Dixit, a bright and upcoming batting prodigy, loses her right hand in a freak accident. However, the unsympathetic and failed test cricketer, Padam "Paddy" Singh Sodhi, gives her new hope in the form of bowling. He trains her with unconventional techniques, to turn her fate around as a bowler. Spinning or "Ghoomer", is a new style of bowling they both invented. Will Anina be able to qualify and make it into the Indian women's team as a bowler, with less than 10 months to go?[9]
Cast
[edit]- Saiyami Kher as Anina "Ani" Dixit
- Pari Sharma as Young Anina
- Abhishek Bachchan as Padam "Paddy" Singh Sodhi
- Shabana Azmi as Anina's grandmother
- Angad Bedi as Jeet, Anina’s boyfriend
- Bhagya Bhanushali as Young Jeet
- Shivendra Singh Dungarpur as Anina's father
- Akshay Joshi as Anina's brother Tishu
- Piyush Raina as Anina's brother Anuj
- Padmanabh Bind as Male selector Morey
- Kiran Navgire as Coach
- Bishan Singh Bedi in a cameo appearance as himself
- Mohit Kumar as Treasurer Bhavik
- Amitabh Bachchan in a special appearance as a cricket commentator
- Neroli Meadows in a special appearance as a cricket commentator
- Subhalaxmi Sharma as Captain Dipti
- Kavita Singh as Anjali
- Bhakti Teli as Diya
- Sayali Sathghare as Geetha
- Vedika Dawane as Jayshri
- Priya Kaushik as Manmeet
- Niddhi Dawada as Meena
- Sushmita Avhad as Nanda
- Nirali Oza as Nasreen
- Prakashika Naik as Preetha
- Akshayaa Surve as Rodriquez
- Saima Thakor as Simran
- Abbas Momin as Bartender
- Kajal Sisodia as Tanvi
- Guneet Sandhu as Anina's Classmate
- Amber Botha as English player Amber
- Nonkhululeko Thabethe as English player Archer
- Bernadette Greeff as English player Bernadette
- Christine Tomlinson as English player Christine
- Samantha Schutte as English player Evans
- Lebogang Nkadimeng as English player Grant
- Kayla Abbott as English player Kayla
- Nicole Slier as English player Nicole
- Paulinah Mashishi as English player Pauline
- Jenna Searle as English player Searle
- Christen Van Wyk as English player Williams
Production
[edit]Music
[edit]| Ghoomer | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 10 August 2023 | |||
| Recorded | 2022 | |||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | |||
| Length | 15:43 | |||
| Language | Hindi | |||
| Label | Zee Music Company | |||
| Amit Trivedi chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Official audio | ||||
| Ghoomer – Full Album on YouTube | ||||
The film's music is composed by Amit Trivedi[12] with lyrics written by Kausar Munir and Swanand Kirkire[13].
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Ghoomer" | Kausar Munir | Dipakshi Kalita, Altamash Faridi | 3:46 |
| 2. | "Dil Dum Chhalla" | Kausar Munir | Varun Jain | 3:45 |
| 3. | "Taqdeer Se Taqraa" | Swanand Kirkire | Mika Singh | 4:00 |
| 4. | "Purnaviram" | Swanand Kirkire | Amit Trivedi, Rupali Moghe | 4:12 |
| Total length: | 15:43 | |||
Reception
[edit]On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, Ghoomer received a rating of 75%, based on 12 reviews, with an average rating of 6.8/10.[14]
Renuka Vyavahare of The Times of India rated the film 4 stars out of 5 and wrote "A poignant and powerful tale of human resilience".[15] Zee Media Bureau reviewed the film and wrote "Abhishek Bachchan Hits All The Right Chords".[16] In a review, Monika Rawal Kukreja of Hindustan Times wrote "Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher's stellar acts will move you".[17] Lachmi Deb Roy of Firstpost rated 3 stars out of 5 and wrote "Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher’s powerful performances will leave you awestruck".[18]
In a review, Toshiro Agarwal of Times Now wrote "Saiyami Kher, Abhishek Bachchan Film Is An Inspiring Journey Of Resilience And Triumph".[19]
Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama awarded the film 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Ghoomer rests on Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher’s performances and some well-executed scenes. But the narrative is too quick and the trailer ended up showing nearly the whole story."[20]
Accolades
[edit]| Award | Ceremony date | Category | Recipients | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards | 28 January 2024 | Best Actor (Critics) | Abhishek Bachchan | Nominated | [21] |
| Best Actress (Critics) | Saiyami Kher | ||||
| Best Supporting Actress | Shabana Azmi |
Note
[edit]- ^ 'Ghoomna' in Hindi means to spin and "er" suffixe add to it from English, that's why "Ghoomer" translates to "Spinner."
References
[edit]- ^ "Ghoomer". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 17 August 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ^ "ghoomer box office collection". Bollywood Hungama. 18 August 2023. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
- ^ "'Ghoomer': Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher's first look motion poster out". The Hindu. 31 July 2023. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "'Lefty hai? Left hi hai': Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher's first look from Ghoomer out, film to hit theatres on Aug 18". The Indian Express. 31 July 2023. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Abhishek Bachchan-R Balki's 'Ghoomer' to open Indian Film Festival of Melbourne". India Today. 10 July 2023. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Ghoomer motion poster: Saiyami Kher determined to play cricket with one hand, Abhishek Bachchan is her coach". Hindustan Times. 31 July 2023. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "R Balki's 'Ghoomer' to hit screens on August 18". The Print. 31 July 2023. Archived from the original on 13 August 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Nominations for the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism: Full list out". Filmfare. 15 January 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "Bollywood News: Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher Look Promising In 'Ghoomer' First Look Motion Poster". Zee News. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Shabana Azmi wraps shoot of Abhishek Bachchan-led 'Ghoomer". The Times of India. 8 June 2022. Archived from the original on 1 August 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "R Balki directorial sports drama 'Ghoomer' to kick-off Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in August". The Economical Times. 11 July 2023. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ Ghoomer (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP by Amit Trivedi on Apple Music, 10 August 2023, retrieved 27 February 2026
- ^ "Angad Bedi Drops Unseen BTS Moments From Ghoomer Sets, Calls It 'A Special Film'". News18. Archived from the original on 7 October 2025. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- ^ "Ghoomer". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
- ^ "Ghoomer Movie Review : A poignant and powerful tale of human resilience". The Times Of India. 17 August 2023. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ "Ghoomer Movie Review: Abhishek Bachchan Hits All The Right Chords". Zee News. 18 August 2023. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ "Ghoomer review: Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher's stellar acts will move you". Hindustan Times. 17 August 2023. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ "Ghoomer Movie Review: Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher's powerful performances will leave you awestruck". firstpost.com. 18 August 2023. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ "Ghoomer Movie Review: Saiyami Kher, Abhishek Bachchan Film Is An Inspiring Journey Of Resilience And Triumph". Times Now. 17 August 2023. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ "Ghoomer Movie Review". Bollywood Hungama. 18 August 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.




- ^ "Nominations for the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism: Full list out". filmfare.com. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
External links
[edit]- Ghoomer at IMDb
- Ghoomer at Bollywood Hungama
Ghoomer
View on GrokipediaDevelopment
Conception
The conception of Ghoomer originated from director R. Balki's fascination with inspirational underdog narratives in sports, particularly stories of resilience and reinvention against physical adversity. Balki, known for his focus on human triumph in films like Paa (2009) and Pad Man (2018), chose to explore this theme through cricket, a sport he deeply admires and wished to honor by innovating within its framework.[8][9] The core idea was initially pitched by writer Rahul Sengupta as a fictional tale of a one-handed para-athlete bowler overcoming obstacles to excel. Balki, who co-wrote the script alongside Sengupta and Rishi Virmani, expanded this into a full narrative centered on a female cricketer's journey of recovery and adaptation in India, where women's cricket faces unique societal barriers. To ground the story in reality, the team drew inspiration from the life of Hungarian Olympic shooter Károly Takács, who suffered a severe injury to his right hand in 1938 but retrained with his left to win gold medals at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics, becoming the first to achieve this in rapid-fire pistol events. Balki adapted Takács's story of switching hands and innovating technique to suit cricket, emphasizing themes of ingenuity and perseverance rather than direct biography.[9][10][8] Script development involved extensive research into cricket mechanics to invent a plausible new bowling style for the protagonist, transforming the initial para-athlete concept into a cricket-specific drama that highlights resilience in the sport. The title Ghoomer derives from the Hindi word for "spinner," directly referencing this fictional yet technically informed bowling technique that drives the plot's emotional and athletic arc. Balki opted to direct the film himself to ensure its inspirational core remained intact, viewing it as a tribute to athletes who redefine limits.[10][8]Pre-production and casting
The film Ghoomer was produced by R. Balki under Hope Film Makers in association with Saraswati Entertainment, with additional production involvement from Abhishek Bachchan.[11][12] During pre-production, director R. Balki tailored the script specifically for lead actors Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher, approaching Bachchan directly due to his established passion for sports and prior collaborations.[13][14] Kher was selected for her athletic background, including experience playing cricket from a young age and previous roles in sports-themed films like Mirzya, which aligned with the character's need for physical authenticity as a bowler adapting to disability.[13][15] Shabana Azmi was cast as the protagonist's grandmother to provide emotional depth and familial support, bringing a quietly authoritative presence despite her limited prior knowledge of cricket, which she acquired during preparation.[13][16] The production budget was estimated at around ₹20-25 crore, with significant allocation toward creating realistic cricket sequences that emphasized the sport's technical nuances over spectacle.[17][18] A key pre-production challenge involved ensuring the authenticity of the cricket scenes, particularly the innovative left-arm spin bowling adapted for a one-handed player, which required consultations with experts from the Indian cricket fraternity, including former spinner Bishan Singh Bedi for spin mechanics and Murali Kartik as bowling coach.[13][12] These efforts included choreography with professional cricketers to capture uncut action using multi-camera setups, drawing on real techniques from women's cricket to highlight resilience without exaggeration.[13]Filming
Principal photography
Principal photography for Ghoomer commenced in February 2022, with an initial schedule spanning Panchgani, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune.[19] A subsequent phase took place in Dharamshala in April 2022.[20] Interiors were primarily shot in Mumbai studios, while outdoor sequences on cricket fields were filmed at DY Patil Stadium in Pune to evoke authentic Indian sporting environments.[21] The production extended over several months, culminating in the final schedule at DY Patil Stadium in early June 2022, where principal photography wrapped after seven days of filming the climax.[21] This approximately five-month shoot included intensive periods for key sequences, such as the accident and training montages.[22] Filming presented significant challenges, particularly in simulating cricket matches for Saiyami Kher's character, Anina Dixit, who loses her right hand in an accident; Kher performed scenes using a prosthetic arm and by tying her right hand behind her back for up to 10 hours daily, which she described as "excruciatingly painful" both physically and emotionally.[22][12] The physical demands of running, fielding, diving, and bowling led to injuries, including a fractured leg and lost toenail for Kher.[22] Extensive rehearsals were essential for demonstrating the innovative bowling technique central to the story; as a former right-handed cricketer, Kher underwent rigorous training with ex-Indian bowler Murali Kartik to master left-handed delivery and ensure precision in the shots.[12] Casting Kher for the lead role, given its athletic requirements, directly shaped preparations, incorporating real women cricketers in the final sequences for added authenticity.[21][12]Technical aspects
The cinematography of Ghoomer was led by Vishal Sinha, who employed fluid camera movements to capture the intensity of cricket sequences and emotional close-ups, enhancing the film's dramatic tension during matches and personal moments.[2][23] Editing was overseen by Nipun Gupta, who skillfully paced the narrative to interweave high-energy sports action with character-driven drama, ensuring seamless transitions between training montages and pivotal confrontations.[2][24] Production design, under Sandeep Sharad Ravade, focused on authentic environments, constructing detailed interiors for domestic scenes and expansive outdoor setups mimicking professional cricket grounds to ground the story in realism.[2][24] Visual effects were kept minimal, including for stadium crowds in cricket sequences; sports director Dhruv Panjuani collaborated with the team to accurately depict the innovative "Ghoomer" bowling technique, drawing from real cricket mechanics to maintain authenticity.[2][25][26]Cast and characters
Main cast
Saiyami Kher portrays Anina "Ani" Dixit, a talented young cricketer on the cusp of international success who suffers a tragic accident, resulting in the amputation of her right arm.[12] To prepare for the physically demanding role, Kher underwent intensive cricket training, including sessions with former spinner Murali Karthik to master left-arm spin bowling, and learned to perform all actions using only her non-dominant left arm.[27] She also worked with prosthetics to simulate the character's disability authentically during filming, tying her right hand behind her back for extended shoots to build realism and emotional depth.[22] Additionally, Kher drew mental inspiration from cricketer Yuvraj Singh, whose resilience after battling cancer informed her approach to embodying Anina's determination.[28] Abhishek Bachchan plays Padam "Paddy" Singh Sodhi, a disillusioned former cricketer turned reclusive alcoholic coach, harboring bitterness toward the sport that rejected him.[29] Bachchan, a lifelong sports enthusiast and co-owner of Indian Super League football club Chennaiyin FC, infused the role with personal insights into athletic passion and frustration, requiring minimal physical preparation but emphasizing Paddy's emotional volatility through nuanced dialogue delivery.[12] His portrayal highlights Paddy's initial cynicism evolving into reluctant guidance, drawing from Bachchan's familiarity with competitive sports dynamics.[30] Shabana Azmi embodies Anina's grandmother, a warm and unwavering pillar of support who encourages her granddaughter's dreams with spirited enthusiasm for cricket.[31] As a veteran actress with over four decades in Indian cinema, including acclaimed roles in parallel films, Azmi brings profound emotional authenticity to the character, infusing scenes of familial bonding with subtle depth and resilience that underscore themes of generational encouragement.[32] The film's core revolves around the mentor-student dynamic between Paddy and Anina, where the coach's gruff exterior gradually yields to a transformative bond, propelling Anina's unconventional comeback while challenging Paddy's own redemption.[33] This relationship drives the narrative's emotional arc, blending tough-love training with mutual growth amid adversity.[34] Director R. Balki selected Kher, Bachchan, and Azmi for their ability to convey vulnerability and strength, aligning with the story's inspirational tone.[13]Supporting cast
Angad Bedi portrays Jeet, the love interest of the protagonist Anina "Ani" Dixit and a fellow cricketer who supports her journey in the sport.[35][2] Shivendra Singh Dungarpur appears as Anina's father, a supportive figure who dotes on his daughter and encourages her aspirations.[2] Akshay Joshi and Piyush Raina depict Anina's brothers, contributing to the familial backdrop that underscores her personal motivations.[35][2] Amitabh Bachchan makes a cameo appearance as a special commentator, delivering a brief but impactful presence in a key scene that adds motivational undertones through his commentary.[2][36] The ensemble cast includes actors such as Ivanka Das as Rasika, Vedika Dawan as Jayasree, and Nirali Oza as Nasreen, among others, who portray members of the Indian women's cricket team, enhancing the authenticity of the on-field sequences and team interactions.[35][2]Music
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Ghoomer was composed by Amit Trivedi and released on 10 August 2023 by Zee Music Company.[37] It features four songs that integrate seamlessly with the film's narrative of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity, particularly through cricket-themed motifs.[38] The album runs for 15:43 and emphasizes emotional depth alongside energetic rhythms to underscore the protagonist's journey. The tracklist includes:| No. | Title | Singers | Length | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ghoomer - Title Song | Dipakshi Kalita, Altamash Faridi | 3:46 | An upbeat anthem capturing the spirit of training and perseverance, with lively beats evoking cricket drills and triumph over challenges.[39][40] |
| 2 | Dil Dum Chhalla | Amit Trivedi, Varun Jain | 3:45 | A playful romantic duet that lightens the film's emotional arcs, blending folk-inspired melodies with contemporary flair.[41] |
| 3 | Taqdeer Se Taqraa | Amit Trivedi, Mika Singh | 4:00 | An intense emotional ballad reflecting themes of fate and struggle, aligning with the protagonist's internal conflicts.[42] |
| 4 | Purnaviram | Amit Trivedi, Rupali Moghe | 4:12 | A soulful track exploring completeness amid loss, tying into the film's motif of holistic recovery through sport.[43] |
