While Akshay is known to be an ardent cricket lover in real life, even his character (Shoaib) in the forthcoming film Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai....... will be seen as a powerful don who wields the power to influence a cricket match. It is more than a coincidence that the match shown in the film is an India-Pakistan one.
Incidentally, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai..... is the only film that has been integrated with this all-important match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Industry sources are expecting huge viewership from cricket-loving fans (particularly, the Asians) the world over for this match.
Akshay, who is currently holidaying with his family in New York, will cut his holiday short and fly to Birmingham on 15th for the match at Edgbaston.
While the entertainer, set in the 80s, directed by Milan Luthria ,will see the actor essay the role of a cricket-loving gangster, the makers, keeping with the essence of the film and Akshay's role, thought it a great idea to promote the film during the match. Though it is not likely that he will be seen in the look of his character, at the match.
Confirming the news, Tanuj Garg, CEO-Balaji Motion Pictures said, `As a company known for pushing the envelope on marketing, we will have our Shoaib attending the India-Pakistan match at Edgbaston. Cricket is a perfect fit with his character in the film, as evidenced in the film's first trailer as well.`
Balaji Motion Pictures' Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Dobara, starring Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan and Sonakshi Sinha & Sonali Bendre is scheduled to release on August 15 (Independence Day).