‘A Game of Two Halves’, an international sports drama that delves into the themes of identity and acceptance through the lens of football is set to release on February 23. Starring Marvel’s Eternals star Saaj Raja, ‘Piku’ fame Swaroopa Ghosh and others, the film offers a platform for underprivileged young athletes and a poignant exploration of self-discovery.
This coming-of-age film is set across UK and India and tells the story of Sanjay, a young British student grappling with questions of belonging. Lost in the pressures of academia, he finds himself in Hyderabad, India, coaching underprivileged kids on the dusty football fields. It’s in this unexpected setting, surrounded by vibrant energy and raw talent, that Sanjay unlocks his true self.
The film is directed by British Asian filmmaker Khayam Khan who is beast known for ‘Bus Ride’. Talking about the film, he states, “Growing up in multicultural Britain, I felt connected to Sanjay’s struggles. He chases acceptance through the ‘cool kids,’ but it’s the unassuming lessons from these underprivileged youngsters that show him his true potential. The film explores the gap between who we think we are and who we truly become when we embrace our authentic selves.”
According to a report by Mid-Day, Actress Swaroopa Ghosh shared what prompted her to take take up the role. “The nuanced placement of the character within the broader narrative framework and the gradual revelation of the character’s complexity through the narrative reveals a layered value system. This subtle positioning speaks volumes about the complexities of reality and the inherent ambiguity of right and wrong. It underscores how the character’s journey offers insights into the complexities of real-world value systems – that’s what intrigued me the most about this role,” she was quoted as saying.
The film, written by Shirley Day and produced by Nicola Gregory, Dean Charles and Sheila Nortley under K Squared Films, 2HotFilms & Emineo Films, further boasts an ensemble cast featuring including Harish Khanna, Lucy Jackson, Nikkita Chadha, Sudha Bhuchar, Chizzy Akudolu, Rajiv Kumar Aneja, Pawan Chopra and Sachin Chaudhary.