Veer's writer Shailesh Verma turns director

Based on the popular game of Kabaddi, film Badlapur Boys is all set to release soon. Set in a village environment, this film has been written and directed by Shailesh Verma, the same Shailesh Verma who has penned down various serials as well as movies, including Salman Khan's Veer. Made under the banner of Karrm Movies, Badlapur Boys is Verma's directorial debut. Here are some excerpts from an interview with him where he excitedly chats about his first film as a director-

· Tell us something about Badlapur Boys.

Badlapur Boys is set in a rural background and is based on the rustic game of Kabaddi. It's a story about some boys that the villagers find useless and without a future as they're always playing Kabaddi and losing at it. But the boys are passionate about earning a name and doing something good for the village through the game of Kabaddi. 

· Why did you think of making a film on Kabaddi?

Kabaddi takes you right back to the roots. Not only I, but I'm sure everyone loves it. The film's story is the kind that is heart warming and I hope it serves its purpose. It's an out and out commercial film, with dancing , songs,  romance and a whole load of fun. Here I'd like to clarify that my film Badlapur Boys is not a documentary. 

· Will the audience like the film?

Yes, of course. Films like Lagaan, Chak De! India, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Mary Kom, which were based on sports were widely appreciated. And nowadays, there's a new life in the topic of Kabaddi, with the commencement of tournaments like Pro Kabaddi League.

· Almost all the artists in your film are new, any special reason behind that?

Yes, I wanted new faces and raw talent for the story of my film. Although some artists have acted in a lot of movies previously, too, like Annu Kapoor, who is playing the role of a coach in my film. Besides him, Nisshan, who is the protagonist, has acted in movies like David and Subhash Ghai's Cycle Kick, and various Malayalam films. Followed by Puja Gupta, who has acted in Vicky Donor, Mickey Virus and OMG! Oh My God! Sharanya Mohan has been a part of more than 16 South Indian films as the female lead and this is her first Hindi film. Actress Kishori Shahane needs no introduction.

· Did you train the film's artists in Kabaddi?

Yes, although it was a difficult task, after a month's training from a Kabaddi coach, everyone was ready to play Kabaddi.