January 31st, 2009
This is one victory that Colombo will claim on Friday. Over Dubai, of course.
For the first time, the world premier of a Hindi movie, Victory, is being held in Colombo on Friday evening after the venue was changed from Dubai to Colombo.
The plush Regal theatre was chosen following the green signal to the India-Sri Lanka one-day series. It is also being seen as one of the biggest events in the entertainment industry here.
The movie, shot extensively in Sri Lanka, starring Harman Baweja, Amrita Rao, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover and 60 Indian and international cricketers, is about a boy from Rajasthan making it big in the world of cricket.
The Lankan ministries of sports, tourism and foreign affairs assisted the film crew during the shooting, which was done at grounds in Colombo and indoor stadiums in the suburbs.
The Indian team along with the Sri Lankan players will be part of the premier. Australian fast bowler Brett Lee and former team-mate Shane Warne are also expected as is actress Priyanka Chopra along with several stars.
“We thought Colombo would be the perfect venue for the premier because the Indian cricketers are here,” said a spokesperson of Event Concept, the event management company. “It is also a very important step in strengthening relations between the two countries,” he added.
Hindi movies are popular in Colombo and currently Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini are running to packed houses.
