Will Shane Nigam's 'Balti' Feature Seven Pro Kabaddi League Players?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 'Balti' integrates real Pro Kabaddi league players into its narrative.
- The film features a compelling storyline set in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- Shane Nigam's role marks a significant milestone in his career.
- The film combines action with authentic Kabaddi training.
- It collaborates with the Pro Kabaddi league team Tamil Thalaivas.
Chennai, Sep 20 (NationPress) Director Unni Sivalingam has revealed that his forthcoming Tamil-Malayalam bilingual sports action drama 'Balti', centered on the sport of Kabaddi, features at least seven authentic Pro Kabaddi league players in its sport sequences.
This announcement was made during a media interaction at the film's pre-release event, which stars actors Shane Nigam and Shanthanu Baghyaraj in leading roles.
"The narrative unfolds in the border area of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It tells the story of four boys who are passionate Kabaddi players, highlighting how they leverage their skills to outsmart their opponents. To ensure authenticity, Shane Nigam, Shanthanu, and the entire cast underwent a rigorous month-long Kabaddi training camp. Rather than training actors, we opted to feature actual players in the film. Thus, at least seven Pro Kabaddi league players will be involved in the action scenes," stated Unni Sivalingam.
Interestingly, the film collaborates with the Pro Kabaddi league team Tamil Thalaivas, representing Tamil Nadu.
In addition, the look of actor Akshay Radhakrishnan has been revealed; he portrays a character named Pratheep in this sports drama.
The film has generated significant excitement among fans and cinema enthusiasts, initially set for a worldwide release on August 29 for Onam this year, but it has now been rescheduled to September 26.
Shane Nigam plays a Kabaddi player named Udhayan. The narrative will showcase him as a daring raider, instilling fear in the defense of rival teams. This project marks a pivotal moment in Shane Nigam's career, being his 25th film.
Besides Shane Nigam, the cast includes Preethi Asrani and Shanthanu Baghyaraj in key roles. Notably, renowned director Alphonse Puthren, famous for the blockbuster Premam, will portray a cold-hearted gangster named Soda Babu.
Shanthanu Baghyaraj plays a character named Kumar, while Selvaraghavan takes on the role of Porthamarai Bhairavan.
Written and directed by Unni Sivalingam, the film is being produced by Santhosh T Kuruvilla and Binu George Alexander under the banners of STK Frames and Binu George Alexander Productions, respectively.
The cinematography is handled by Alex J Pulickal, with art direction by Ashik S. The film's music is composed by the talented Sai Abhyankkar.
Editing is managed by Shivkumar V. Panicker, and costumes are designed by Melwy J. With a high-action premise, the film employs two stunt masters—Action Sandhosh and Vicky.