Aamir Khan Discusses His Choice of Basketball for Film Adaptation

Why Basketball Over Kabaddi?

Aamir, what led you to adapt the Spanish film Champions into an Indian Hindi version focusing on basketball, given its limited popularity in India?

Indeed, you make a valid point. The original film featured basketball, which was our starting point. We did explore a few alternatives. Since the film showcases a team of neurodivergent players, we considered that a more complex sport might not be suitable for them. Basketball, on the other hand, has straightforward rules: bounce the ball and shoot it into the basket. This simplicity appealed to us.

Did you consider football?

No, not football. We thought about Kabaddi, as it is a quintessentially Indian sport. However, we ultimately decided against it because Kabaddi involves significant physical contact, which could be challenging for players who may not be comfortable with pushing and shoving. It’s a rough sport, and we felt it wouldn’t suit the players’ needs. Although Kabaddi might have resonated more with Indian audiences, we chose to stick with basketball for these reasons.

Have you ever played Kabaddi yourself?

I have, during my school days. It’s often regarded as a national sport in India. Nevertheless, basketball added a unique element to our film.

Did you form a bond with the neurodivergent actors beyond the film?

I have developed a close relationship with all ten of the actors. This was my first experience working with neurodivergent individuals after thirty-five years in the industry, and it was truly enlightening.

What made it so special?

They approach their work without ego or preconceived notions. Their pure joy and enthusiasm on set are contagious, making the experience incredibly rewarding. I feel a strong connection with each of them.