Exclusive! Kapil Dev to Kabir Khan after 83 release: When we won World Cup, we didn't get money, we earned respect

It took a long time to create 83, and the film was scheduled to be released in 2020. However, it was postponed due to the pandemic. Now that the film is out, theatres are closing down once more after the release in less than a week. The film has been one of the biggest projects of Kabir Khan, and during a recent interview with OTTplay, the filmmaker revealed his state of mind about the current pandemic situation. 

Khan shared that he has been anticipating this film for nearly two years. They wanted to release it at a time when the pandemic might be winding down and would be able to show it in all of the theatres. But he believes this is the world we live in where nobody knows what will happen next because the pandemic is affecting the entire world so severely. Unfortunately, the Omicron wave took off on the same day 83 was released and two states declared a nighttime curfew. On the second day, three or four more had been added, and on the fourth day of release in Delhi, all of the theatres had closed, which accounted for a large portion of our box office.

But Khan feels these are things beyond one's control. Calling the pandemic a massive event that has engulfed the entire planet, the filmmaker added that he would feel petty sitting and complaining about it. He can only see the bright side and can only look at how the film has received unprecedented acclaim and love. Khan feels the amount of support for the film that is constantly pouring in is incredible. He added that "83" is a film that has clearly established itself and will have a long life.

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The Bajrangi Bhaijaan director is hoping that people will continue to visit theatres wherever they are open and that they'll take those precautions. Khan shared that seeing this movie on the big screen is an entirely different experience and it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will never be repeated. So he is confident that people will continue to go wherever it is open and available. Of course, the world is fighting a losing battle against the pandemic, and with each passing day, more restrictions and rules are imposed. But Khan is okay because the film is for posterity and will be enjoyed for many years.

Moreover, when Khan was feeling a little low about all this, Kapil Dev said something very beautiful, and he took that to heart, therefore not feeling bad. 

The legendary cricketer said, "When we won the World Cup, we didn't get money, we got respect, and it's because of that respect that today, you're making a film about us 38 years later. This is the same respect that you're getting from making this film. So don't even worry about what happens, which theatres are shut down, where is the night curfew. Just enjoy the love and the respect that you're getting for the film, because ultimately, that's what makes the film live in the memory of the people."