Amitabh Bachhan starrer Jhund will hit the theatres next Friday, on September 20, 2019. This sports film is inspired by the life of Vijay Barse, a football coach and a social worker who has dedicated his life for the upliftment of slum children in Nagpur. Barse coached football to these children in order to keep them away from a life of drug abuse and crime. Vijay Barse founded an NGO named Slumsoccer and his son now runs it. Its operation has, over the years, expanded from Nagpur to six other places in Maharashtra. In 2016, Slumsoccer received an inaugural FIFA Diversity Award. This year, the NGO has partnered with the Mexican Homeless World Cup. The tournament, an annual event, will be held this year in Mexico City from November 13 to November 18. 

Read | Amitabh Bachchan's 'Jhund' gets a release date, take a look

Based on True Events

"The film is based on a true story where a sports teacher formed a team with Jhoparpatti bachhas (slum kids) and changed their lives," says Nagraj Manjule, the director of the film. Not one to compromise on the story's authenticity, Manjule has already shot some scenes for the film in Nagpur. Interestingly, his earlier film Sairat, which garnered praise from the critics and audiences alike, was shot in Manjule's village, Jeur. It went on to win several awards at the national and international film festivals. Sairat was remade in five languages, including a Hindi remake produced by Karan Johar and titled Dhadak. 

Read | Amitabh Bachchan To Star In 'Sairat' director Nagraj Manjule's Hindi Directorial Debut 'Jhund.'

Fresh Faces

The Sairat actor Akash Thosar, who was also seen in Anurag Kashyap's short-film for Netflix's 'Lust Stories', is also been featured in the film. Apart from Akash Thosar and Rinku Rajguru, several other newcomers will be debuting in Jhund. "Other people in the film are all new, and since I have been known to work with fresh talent, I think the combination of Mr Bachchan with this young team will be something to watch out for”, Director Nagraj Manjule said in a statement released to a Daily. The production was kicked off in November last year and wrapped up recently. Amitabh Bachchan got emotional, saying "the emotions and withdrawal symptoms begin to reflect" as he bids adieu to the set.

Read | 'There is the desire to slip away quietly': Amitabh Bachchan gets emotional as he completes Nagraj Manjule’s ‘Jhund’ shoot

Rinku Rajguru, Amitabh Bachchan spotted at Mumbai Airport

Members of the Jhund cast, the Sairat actress Rinku Rajguru and Amitabh Bachchan were spotted at the Mumbai Airport recently. Despite being prodded for details, the duo remained tight-lipped about Jhund. It is speculated that the actress is back in the city to kick-start the promotions of the movie. However, when asked for a clarification, the Jhund cast refused to comment. 

Read | Jhund Movie: Aamir Khan asked Amitabh Bachchan to play Barse