Canada’s national glue – ice hockey – is set to stick in India thanks to the just released movie Speedy Singhs aka Breakaway.
Produced by Bollywood heartthrob, Akshay Kumar, who is Canada’s high profile tourism ambassador, the movie which had its world premier at the recent Toronto International Film fest is one of the fall’s most anticipated films in the Indian Diaspora.
It opens in Vancouver this weekend.
For Akshay Kumar, this is an opportune moment to promote ice hockey in India and he is donating C$414,000 to the Ice Hockey Association Of India (IHAOI) in an attempt to promote the sport in his homeland.
In fact, it was a collective decision made by Akshay and the makers of his movie Speedy Singhs, which revolves around ice hockey, an Indian media report said.
“When the film was being made, Akshay’s interest towards the sport really went up. Also, whenever he stayed in Canada, this used to be one of his favourite pastimes.
He wondered why so few people in India knew or even participated in such an interesting sport,” a movie spokesman said.
The Hindustan Times said the actor has now planned to do everything in his power to help promote ice hockey in India.
Not many know that the Ice Hockey Association Of India (IHAOI) in New Delhi is the national body coordinating ice hockey in India under the supervision of the International Ice Hockey Federation.
Adds a member of IHAOI, “International coaches and Indian players settled in the US and Canada have been helping Indian teams to get equipment and other aid.
 So if anyone has stepped up to help the sport, he/she is more than welcome.”
Ice Hockey in India has surprisingly deep roots. Areas like Shimla, Kashmir and Ladakh have traditionally cold climates. As early as 1985, the Indian Army and local youth started playing the game to occupy themselves in the winter. They used improvised field hockey sticks and converted shoe polish tins to act as pucks.
Today, the sport has come a long way since then. It is played at the National level in Ladakh, Shimla and Kashmir. Even though we do not have any artifricial rinks available in the country, the game flourishes at these locations during the winters.
The northern states of India have six teams that play at the national level and in addition they conduct very active Learn to Play programs for the children and women.
Many e pats from the Canadian and Russian consulates in Mumbai and Delhi have been playing the game in Ladakh. The whole concept of playing in – 20 degree centigrade at the highest Ice Hockey rinks in the world is enough to attract them to play in India.
Akshay Kumar said, “The subject of this film has moved me, the struggles of a young man’s journey in his adoptive land represents the struggles for justice and equality.  I am thrilled to be a part of this truly international film allowing the glass ceiling to be broken and truly defining world cinema.”
Speedy Singhs or Breakaway (for the international audience) is a fun, action-filled emotional sports comedy bringing a dash of Bollywood entertainment to Canada’s favourite sport.
Breakaway features a young Sikh-Canadian man, played by Vinay Virmani, who also penned the movie’s script, dreaming of hockey stardom. But first he has to assemble a team to beat the local bullies.
It is a cross-cultural hockey drama set in the Indo-Canadian community in suburban Toronto, and also stars Canadian newcomers, Camilla Belle, and comedian Russell Peters. 
With keen observations on race and culture, the film focuses on a hero caught between a family’s traditional expectations and a dream to make it in the national sport of an adopted country. 
The movie is also colourful and humorous, as it is an obstacle-strewn love story with a dramatic quest for the hero. It is directed by the acclaimed Robert Lieberman and also features veteran Bollywood star, Anupam Kher who reprises the role he played in Bend It Like Beckham, as the aspiring athlete’s stern father.
“I grew up in Brampton, where Breakaway is set, and I know the characters in this movie first-hand.  This is a great story about an Indian kid with a dream to do his own thing… something I know a thing or two about,” said star Russell Peters.
“I am thrilled and excited to be working on Breakaway – a wonderful, romantic, sports comedy. It tells the story of a group of young indo-Canadians who have the dream of being competitive in the big tournament,” said director Robert Lieberman.
 It’s a rare peek into the culture and lifestyle of the Sikh community, along with plenty of action and laughs. And at the centre is a cross-cultural love affair. It’s one helluva piece of entertainment that’s bound to appeal to a very wide audience. I am elated to be a part of it.”
“I am excited to be part of this project, with an extremely talented cast and crew. The subject of the film will breach cultural boundaries as it tells the story of a young man’s struggle to deal with of ethnic conformity and social acceptance in his new adoptive land.  The film will reach the hearts and emotions of a global audience,” said Vinay Virmani.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of a film that celebrates the Sikh culture and tells a beautiful story of equality and perseverance. Coming from a multicultural background, this script truly touched me and I believe it will move people around the world, regardless of their background.” commented Camilla Belle.