Deepika Padukone, and cricket legend Kapil Dev to join Director Kabir Khan on the Red Sea International Film Festival red carpet
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RedSeaIFF), taking place 6-15 December, today announced that the upcoming star-studded Indian film, ‘83, will have its world premiere at the public closing of the Festival’s inaugural edition.
‘83 tells the true story of the charismatic Kapil Dev, played by Ranveer Singh, who led the Indian cricket team to its first World Cup victory in 1983 at the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground in London against the West Indies, regarded at the time as invincible. A generation of Indian children were inspired to take up the game and, more broadly, to aim high in life, as the anniversary is still celebrated, 38 years on. Kabir Khan’s Hindi epic tells this triumphant story with fastidious attention to detail – the actors trained for months with the real cricketers they were playing to understand the nuances of the sport – and a huge narrative sweep.
‘83, presented by Reliance Entertainment, Phantom Films and Kabir Khan Films, will have its world premiere at the Festival’s public closing on 15th December, ahead of its release across the Gulf region on December 23rd and worldwide release on 24th December.
The world premiere of the star-studded film will be attended by cast and crew, including the film’s director Kabir Khan (Ek Tha Tiger, Kabul Express, New York, Bajragni Bhaijaan), Deepika Padukone (Chennai Express, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Padmaavat, Om Shanti Om), and cricket legend and captain of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, Kapil Dev, along with Mohinder ‘Jimmy’ Amarnath (Vice-captain and man of the match - finals) and Srikkanth (opening batsman) providing a sensational send off to the Festival’s inaugural edition.
Kabir Khan, 83’s director explained: “I’m beyond excited to unveil ’83 at the Red Sea International Film Festival, the opening of cinemas in Saudi Arabia is a fantastic opportunity for filmmakers in India and across the world. To go on this journey, and to bring the story to screen with legends, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and cricket icon Kapil Dev was like winning the world cup for me.”
Edouard Waintrop, Artistic Director of the RedSeaIFF said: “‘83 is such a monumental film that will capture the public imagination, in Jeddah and across the world. A true celebration of one of the greatest underdog stories in international sporting history, it continues to inspire generations of young people, and the incredible Hindi-language film is sure to do the same. We are thrilled to host the cast and crew, as well sporting icon Kapil Dev at the Red Sea International Film Festival for one of the most anticipated films of the year.”
The inaugural edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival will run in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from December 6-15, 2021.
Editors Notes:
Red Sea International Film Festival
The inaugural edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival in partnership with the MBC GROUP, Saudia Airlines and VOX Cinemas is set to bring the best in Arab and World Cinema to the UNESCO world heritage site of Jeddah Old Town from December 6-15, 2021.
The Festival will showcase a compelling slate of new and diverse films, alongside a retrospective programme celebrating the masters of cinema as well as introducing audiences to exciting new voices from the region and beyond. The Festival will provide a platform for Arab filmmakers and industry. professionals from around the world to connect, host feature and short film competitions, and present a series of events, masterclasses, and workshops to support emerging talent.
