Director Shaad Ali’s forthcoming biopic on Indian hockey player Sandeep Singh titled Soorma has got a ‘U’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Taapsee Pannu and Angad Bedi in the lead roles. Soorma tells the inspiring and gritty story of Sandeep Singh who was confined to a wheelchair and almost paralyzed for two years of his life as he was a victim of a freak shooting.

Sandeep was grievously injured after being accidentally shot in a train in 2006 and was written off from the sport. However, the man made a remarkable comeback to the national team and was instrumental in making the team qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. He emerged as the leading goal scorer in the qualifying tournament with 16 goals.

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Shaad is happy with the CBFC’s decision of granting the film with a ‘U’ certificate. A leading daily reported him expressing his happiness, “Getting a U certificate feels really great as it encourages the kids to come and get inspired by a hockey legend. Families and kids can come together and have a great experience as it’s an inspirational film.” He thanked the Censor Board as well and said, “I am really thankful to the censor board as U certification will help the film getting a wider audience.”

The film’s trailer and songs have already generated quite a buzz among the audience. Soorma has a direct competition from Akshay Kumar’s Gold which is also based on hockey, and hence comparisons are bound to be made. However, while Soorma is a biopic, Gold is inspired by India’s triumph in the 1948 Olympics where it won its first gold medal as a sovereign state. However, other than the fact that the films have hockey in its background, we’re sure they will be totally different films. Soorma hits the theatres on July 13 this year.