83

'83' seems to be just a number, but for us who have grown up in the 80s and 90s much before the millennium hit the people with lots of expectations, is a dream come true.

Of course, that was a different era altogether. Cleaner earth, breathable air, drinkable water and lovelier society.

In 1983,  India lifted the World Cup for the first time. It was a dream that came true but the actual fact is nobody even thought it could ever happen.

I usually do not write specifically about films. Not that I do not like to do so, but I feel I am not in the capacity or authority to criticize the hard work of thousands of people that go into making a film.

However, recently, though it is quite late after the release of the film, i happened to see the movie '83'. Unbelievable just as 1983 World Cup.

The people of this generation may find it a beautiful film due to the theme, acting, presentation and other aspects, but for people like me who have really witnessed what it was, the film is beyond imagination.

Sitting in my drawing room, watching it on an OTT platform and truly not expecting much when I began to watch because when you have seen the real, the reel might not impress you, but I was wrong - I literally time travelled back.

The experience is unexplainable. I didn't know what to do. They were moments of pure nostalgia. I remembered every comment I heard when players came and went, balls dropped, wickets taken and so on. I remember the adjustment of antennas, the crowd of neighbours in our house to watch the match, the prayers, the adrenaline rush and above all the togetherness.

I don't know if I have had such a plethora of emotions ever before. I feel sorry I missed to watch it before. I can't contain myself without congratulating the makers, actors and all the ones connected to recreating the 1983 magic.

Many of us by now have watched the movie, but there are so many things that are to be absorbed and understood from the film.

Sports does it job everytime when put to task sincerely. It will teach you discipline, team spirit, acceptance of win and defeat with grace, humility and above all togetherness. It is one thing that binds everyone together beyond the shackles of caste, creed, religion, states or countries. On ground, you are just a player who is there to play with all his might and prove.

Not a reel fails to impress. It kind of rekindles all the lost memories. Even the dress the players were wearing is something to look out for. Pure white with just the logo. No added baggage. Absolute Sports alone.

It defines what Sports in its basic form is capable of doing - the most important basis of human life - being together.

The match taught us so many things - humility, self respect, hard work, dedication, problem solving and adaptable attitude, trust, empathy, focus, will power, not-ready-for-defeat-yet belief, compassion, perseverance, hope, faith and also patriotism.

So much to learn .... It would be unfair to close this post without once again congratulating the real and reel heroes both who have given us memories to live on.

Regards

SRN