Pakistanis are in fits after seeing the depiction of Imran Khan in Bollywood’s ’83. The movie is a biopic of legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev.
So among many known cricketers, Imran Khan was also depicted in the film. However, the depiction has Pakistani Twitter in fits.
Starring Ranveer Singh as the protagonist, ’83 was released on OTT platforms on Tuesday. Naturally, cricket enthusiasts everywhere have been streaming the dramatic adaptation of India’s historic win at the World Cup 1983. The film is even trending at No. 1 on Netflix at Pakistan.
However, one particular scene caught the attention of Pakistani viewers. It was of an interaction between then Indian cricket team captain, Kapil Dev, and then skipper Imran Khan. The scene has Pakistani Twitter in fits of laughter.
Such a lovely positive gesture from Kabir Khan & Ranveer in '83.
A film about Kapil Dev shows in a few seconds the decades old bond of Imran Khan & Kapil Dev. Kapil was one of Khan's special guests at his oath taking ceremony in 2018.Kaisi chal rahi hai app ki taayari Pha jee! pic.twitter.com/zQbYDRsyok
— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) March 23, 2022
While the scene was supposed to be a warm exchange between the two cricketers, which it definately was, it’s the depiction of Imran Khan that had people rolling over laughing.
Apparently, Bollywood’s image of a young and handsome Imran Khan from back in the day is not the ‘heartbreaker’
https://twitter.com/Shezcevans/status/1506632406396243985
There were jokes about the ‘handsome’ Prime Minister.
One Twitter user called the depiction of the Pakistani Prime Minister down right embarassing.
“Imran khan’s appearance in India’s ‘83 movie is so embarrassing. This is an unjust decision.”
https://twitter.com/naziahasanonly/status/1506893534166761474
Another user said that they’re ‘personally offended’ and called the casting a ‘real crime’ against the Imran Khan.
ok but the real crime against @ImranKhanPTI is the man they used to play him in the ‘83 film. personally offended.
— zoha (@zchishtii) March 21, 2022
Some people even felt that the former Pakistani cricket captain deserves a film of his own for the World Cup win in ’92.
‘83! Wow what a film. Ranveer Singh was brilliant and depicted what an unbelievable job that Indian team. Also can’t help but feel Pakistan’s film industry owe Imran Khan a comparative one, I think the story would be even more dramatic!
— S (@fitrahjournal) January 3, 2022
However, regardless of the ridiculous casting it’s nice to see positive representation of a Pakistani cricketer in the film.
