While the world is engrossed in the ongoing FIFA World Cup being held in Russia, Akshay Kumar is all set to bring the game of hockey once again to celluloid to tease the fancy of Indian fans. Akshay’s film Gold is all set to release on August 15, 2018, while its trailer was released today. The film is directed by Reema Kagti and is produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. In an interview given to a leading daily Akshay spoke at length about his role and on choosing films with a social message. However, the high point of the conversation was Akshay’s viewpoint on National Anthem and the National Flag being an integral part of the film.

The poster that was released of the film Gold showed Akshay taking out the Indian National Flag from his coat pocket and the teaser also laid emphasis on the National Anthem and the flag. On being asked what made Akshay take up the film he said, “In 1948, it was for the first time that India, as a free country, played hockey at the Olympic Games hosted in England. Although it was the British who introduced the game to us, in 1948, we went to England and defeated them on their soil. They stood up for our National Anthem that was being played on their land, and it was a glorious moment of pride for free India.” He also said that at a time when debates are going on about whether to stand up for the National Anthem played in the theatres, Reema, Farhan and Ritesh brought a story to him which highlighted the importance of the National Anthem.

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Akshay was also asked about the ongoing debate about making one stand up for the National Anthem he refused to take side on the issue. However, he said, “In my heart, I believe that our National Anthem is extremely important and it must get due respect at all times. I am sure in its bid to highlight the importance of the anthem; this film will strike a chord with every Indian.”

Gold depicts the real life incident of Indian National Hockey Team winning an Olympic Gold in 1948. Although, the team had won previous two gold medals as well but that was under British India. Gold stars Akshay, Kunal Kapoor, Vineet Singh, Amit Sadh, Sunny Kaushal and is the Bollywood debut of Mouni Roy.