83 review
India is a country that simply loves cricket. It's a game where Indians outshine practically everyone, and you can see it just from the fact that there's hardly a club anywhere in the world without a few Indian players.
In 2021 Bollywood decided to bring us a film called 83. It tells the story of India's historic win at the 1983 Cricket World Cup.
Original title 83
Country India, 2021
Genre Sports, Drama, Biography
Written by Kabir Khan, Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, Vasan Bala
Directed by Kabir Khan
Cast and a short look at the characters
Ranveer Singh as Kapil "Kaps" Dev
Ranveer Singh is a truly outstanding actor. He completely became the legendary captain of the Indian cricket team, who led India to its historic World Cup win in 1983. It isn't just about looking alike, it's above all about the way he portrayed Kapil's mindset, his determination, quiet strength and unshakeable faith in the team. Every scene with Ranveer is full of energy, and his speech to the team before the final is one of the strongest moments of the film.
Pankaj Tripathi as PR Man Singh
Pankaj Tripathi plays the manager of the Indian cricket team and is a key support for the players and the captain. His character brings not only seriousness and professionalism to the film, but also funny moments that ease the tension during the tournament. As manager he's always there, looks after the team and fights tirelessly for what it needs.
Tahir Raj Bhasin as Sunil "Sunny" Gavaskar, nicknamed "Little Master"
Tahir Raj Bhasin gives a very solid performance as the team's legendary opening batsman. In the story Gavaskar is shown as a respected but somewhat reserved character who doesn't always share Kapil's unbreakable faith in the team. His development over the tournament is fascinating, from mild scepticism all the way to giving himself completely to the shared goal.
Jiiva as Krishnamachari Srikkanth, nicknamed "Chika"
Jiiva brings light humour and playfulness to the film, which blend brilliantly with the intense atmosphere of the tournament. Srikkanth is shown as an impulsive but talented player whose attitude to life and sport is infectiously positive.
Saqib Saleem as Mohinder "Jimmy" Amarnath, nicknamed "Jimpa"
As Mohinder Amarnath, Saqib Saleem brings a calm but unyielding energy to the film. Amarnath is an important player whose composure helps the team in critical moments. His performance in the final was key to India's win.
Jatin Sarna as Yashpal "Yash" Sharma
Jatin Sarna gives a convincing performance as Yashpal Sharma, one of the unexpected heroes of the tournament. His character stands for the strength and determination of underdogs who defy expectations.
Chirag Patil as Sandeep "Sandy" Patil, nicknamed "Patla"
Chirag Patil plays his own father, which makes his role even more authentic. Sandeep Patil was known for his aggressive batting style and had a major influence on some of India's matches in the tournament.
Dinker Sharma as Kirti Azad
Kirti Azad was a player who brought strength and stability to the team. In his role, Dinker Sharma shows his devotion to the team and his important support in key moments.
Nishant Dahiya as Roger Binny
Roger Binny was the best bowler of the tournament, and his accuracy and power were crucial for the Indian team. Nishant Dahiya brilliantly portrays his calm but deadly efficiency.
Harrdy Sandhu as Madan Lal, nicknamed "Madipa"
Madan Lal was one of the main bowlers who helped break the opponents in important matches. In the film, Harrdy Sandhu shows his fighting spirit and stubbornness.
Sahil Khattar as Syed Kirmani, nicknamed "Kiri"
Syed Kirmani was the team's main wicketkeeper, and his selfless saves were crucial to India's defence. Sahil Khattar plays him as a stubborn and precise player.
Ammy Virk as Balwinder Singh Sandhu, nicknamed "Ballu"
Ammy Virk brings not only great sporting dynamics to the film, but also humour and emotion. Sandhu isn't just a talented player, he's also an important part of the team who doesn't give up even in the hardest moments. His famous "banana swing" (an extremely curved delivery) in the final against the West Indies is one of the highlights of the film.
Adinath Kothare as Dilip Vengsarkar, nicknamed "Colonel"
Dilip Vengsarkar was one of the best batsmen of his time, but unfortunately he got injured during the tournament. Adinath Kothare played his role with dignity and authenticity.
Dhairya Karwa as Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri was a young all rounder who later became one of the most important coaches in Indian cricket. Dhairya Karwa brings his focused and determined nature to the role.
R Badree as Sunil Valson, nicknamed "Vally"
Sunil Valson was part of the team, but he didn't play a single match during the tournament. The film shows that even players on the bench matter for team morale.
Deepika Padukone as Romi Dev
As Romi Dev, Deepika Padukone brings a gentle but strong female element to the film. Her support for Kapil Dev is shown with feeling, and her character shows how much family support matters during sporting peaks.
Neena Gupta as Rajkumari Nikhanj
Neena Gupta plays Kapil Dev's mother, who brings emotional depth to the film and shows how important a family background is.
Boman Irani as Farokh Engineer
As Farokh Engineer, a former player and later commentator, Boman Irani adds nostalgia and authenticity to the film.
The official trailer for the film
What is it about?
The film 83 isn't just a sports drama, it's also a deep look into the Indian mindset, determination and the collective pride of a nation. It tells the true story of the Indian cricket team who, at the 1983 World Cup in England, did what seemed impossible and won against all expectations. Back then India wasn't considered a serious contender for the title. The media, the fans and even the players themselves weren't sure they stood a chance against dominant teams like the West Indies, England or Australia.
The main hero of the story is Kapil Dev, the team captain, whose faith in his team is unshakeable. In this role Ranveer Singh embodies not only an athlete, but also a leader who refuses to accept the role of the underdog. From the start of the film it's clear the team is underestimated. The Indian cricket board won't pay for decent accommodation, the fans are sceptical and even his own teammates have doubts. But Kapil believes that if they fight as a team, they can achieve anything.
SPOILER
The tournament begins and India surprises everyone. The first match against the West Indies (a team made up of several Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago or Guyana), the defending champions and the most dominant team in the world, ends with a shocking win for India. Kapil Dev and his teammates prove to be fighters who aren't afraid to play aggressively and smart. But the following matches aren't easy. The team loses a key match and ends up in a situation where they have to win almost every remaining game to have a chance of going through.
One of the strongest moments of the film comes when India plays Zimbabwe. Kapil Dev delivers one of the greatest performances in cricket history here. With India in complete collapse (a score of 17 for 5), Kapil walks onto the field and single handedly scores an incredible 175 runs, which saves the team and sends it to the semi finals. The film handles this scene with huge intensity and shows why Kapil Dev is still considered one of the greatest captains of all time.
Once India reaches the semi final against England, something starts to change. Indian fans start to believe. After beating England, the team makes it to the final against the West Indies, which is considered almost impossible.
The final is played at Lord's in London, which is known as the "home of cricket". India starts the match as the underdog, while the West Indies seem unbeatable. When India finishes its innings with a low score of 183 runs, it looks like certain defeat.
But then comes the moment that changes history. Kapil Dev gives his players a motivational speech, reminding them that they're not just playing for themselves, but for all of India. Every ball becomes a fight for national pride. Mohinder Amarnath and Madan Lal deliver incredible bowling, while Balwinder Singh Sandhu adds his legendary "banana swing", taking out one of the opponents' key batsmen.
When the last West Indies player is out, India wins. In that moment the whole stadium explodes with joy. Not just the Indian fans, even the English themselves realise they're witnessing a historic moment.
My verdict
The film 83 isn't just about sport. It's a story about resilience, faith and national unity. For a viewer from Europe it can be hard to understand how deep the meaning of cricket is for India. Cricket isn't just a game. It's part of the national identity, a way for India to stand up to its former colonisers and claim its place among the world's sporting powers.
In 1983 India was still a young republic struggling with its economy and social inequality. The cricket win wasn't just a sporting success, it was a symbol of hope, progress and unity. For a moment, Indians all over the world were proud of where they came from and felt that their nation finally meant something.
The film also shows the differences between India back then and today. The players in 1983 were amateurs who didn't play for money, but for love of the game. Today cricket is the biggest sport in India, with billions in investment, but back then it was a path for underdogs who had to fight for their place.
83 isn't just a film for cricket fans. It's a film about how believing in yourself can change your fate, how one moment can define a whole generation and how sport can unite a nation. Director Kabir Khan masterfully captures not only the tension on the field, but also the emotions behind the scenes, from nervous fans in India all the way to the tears in the eyes of players who realise what they've just achieved.
If you want to see the true story of underdogs who changed history, 83 is a film that will pull you in, move you and inspire you.
Overall score 10/10
Character development 10/10
Plot development 10/10
Cast 10/10
Soundtrack 10/10
Enjoyment 10/10
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Mimosa Confiante
By day, I work somewhere between marketing, copy and campaigns; by night, I usually end up somewhere between fanfiction, cosplay and yet another “what if” that refuses to leave me alone. I write mainly in the Harry Potter and Mo Dao Zu Shi fandoms, most often Snarry, Snamione, HarryLu and WangXian. My healthcare background means that anatomy, medicine and far too much research occasionally find their way into my stories. Cosplay is another way for me to play with the characters I love, whether I stay close to canon or turn them into my own fanfiction and AU versions. In Diary of a Slytherin Girl with ADHD, I write openly about life with a brain that usually has far too many tabs open at once.
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