We’ve had 'Iqbal', about seven years ago.
And movies like 'Haatrick' (2007) and 'Victory' (2009) that focused on cricket.
Now actor-producer-director Prakash Raj is all set to give us a film about a young middle class boy who dreams of becoming a cricketer like the Indian skipper M S Dhoni.
But 'Dhoni' focusses less on the sport and more on serious issues like peer pressure and classes all day that mar our education system. Prakash Raj, 46, wants people to think hard when they get out of the theater.
“I do not want to change the mindset but I want people to think about the education system, its pros and cons. It is a movie for you me and everybody,” he says.
More than entertainment
The boy (in the ninth standard) is played by Akash, the son of Telugu director Puri Jagannadh. “The movie is very emotional, and portrays the relationship between a son and father and talks about the general mindset of people when it comes to education,” says Prakash Raj.
The movie will highlight the perception of the current education system and the root cause for its many problems.
“I wanted to focus on the education system. There are so many questions like, ‘why do students commit suicide during the 10th and 12th standard’, ‘why do kids run away’ and so on. The film is not about who is right or wrong but about the pressure and stress the child and parents go through. I feel, education is no longer an enjoyable process,” says Prakash Raj, who won the best actor award for his role in the movie 'Kaanchivaram'.
Finding a leader
A big fan of the Indian captain after whom his movie is named, he says, “I like Dhoni not only because of cricket or his technique. His presence on the ground, the way he carries himself, his general behavior, all this matters. I like him because he is a great human being and a great leader.’’
Need to know
* At the airport: I love sitting and watching people. It is a great source of entertainment.
* Holiday plans: It is not the destination that matters to me but the travel. One can enjoy a journey while travelling with me.
* Sports and me: I love cricket. I play badminton, carrom and billiards.
* Unwind: I love animated movies. Tom and Jerry is my all time favourite.
* When I watch a movie: I never wish I was a part of any movie, I am self sufficient. I enjoy the music and movie better when I am a part of the audience.
* Working with children: They are brilliant. Take your time, explain things to them and they will understand.
* Sound station: It depends on my mood. I listen to music for their lyrics, tune and pace. I listen to a lot of people like SPB, Yesudas, Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi. If I am in a ghazal mood, I listen to Hariprasad Chaurasia or symphonies.