Jersey is not based on Raman Lamba's life: Gowtam Tinnanuri

Gowtam Tinnanuri is being praised by everyone from the audience to stars like NTR and Allu Arjun. But the director conceals his elation. He looks rather unaffected by the superlative praises. In this interview, catch him talk about how tough it was to shoot 'Jersey', what he thinks is the central message of the movie and more. 

What is the inspiration for 'Jersey'?

Years ago, Harsha Bhogle was in Hyderabad to give a lecture. He said that there are many talents like Sachin Tendulkar but only Sachin could reach the top because of his attitude. More than the talk about Sachin's success, what got me thinking is the fact that several people as talented as him have fallen by the wayside. They couldn't become successful for different reasons. Why not tell one such story, is what I thought.

Is it not true that the storyline has a resemblance with late cricketer Raman Lamba's story?

Raman Lamba died on the pitch while playing. The story of 'Jersey' is entirely different. There is no link between the two. 

What kind of research did you do while writing the script?

I have always loved to watch cricket. So, I didn't have to do any research for that. But the scripting took a lot of time. I had this story ready long back. I wanted it to be my first movie. But circumstances made me to do 'Malli Raava' first. 'Jersey' was always my most favourite script. It lied with me for three years. 

What is the message of the movie?

It's the story of an underdog. What can a person who has been described as good-for-nothing by the world go on to achieve with sheer will? That's what the film shows. The contrast between the family scenes and the cricket match scenes is also clear. At the congested home, there is no communication between Arjun and his wife. When he is in the spacious cricket ground, everybody claps for him although nobody knows him personally.

How hard was it to can the cricket match scenes?

With the exception of Nani and Vishwant, the rest of the cricket players seen in the movie are cricketers in real life. They were given training in playing the game. It used to take a day or day-and-a-half to shoot a minute of the cricket match. We shot a whole cricket match on the one hand, and specific shots for the film on the other. 

Are you ready to do a Bollywood movie like the 'Arjun Reddy' director?

Bollywood may be too big for me to handle. I may not be ready to do a film there. Sandeep Vanga is different. I can't be like him.

What about your next project?

I complete writing the story first and only then zero in on my hero. I have a few stories ready. But I am not going to start a new project in a hurry. I am going to take some gap. 

By: Venugopal