Adyah Thimmaiah’s sports drama Jersey Number 10 in theatres on May 19

Hockey is as much a religion for Kodavas, as cricket is for much of the nation. The passion for the game is such that the Kodagu region hosts an annual hockey tournament, which sees participation from most resident families. Kodagu is, in fact, widely considered the cradle of Indian hockey, what with over 50 men from the area having represented the country at international tournaments, including the Olympics. It is no wonder, then, that debutant Adyah Thimmaiah, who hails from the region, chose the sport as the subject of his launchpad, Jersey Number 10. which he has co-written and directed as well.

“We finished shooting the film a year ago; post-production took time, after which we got it censored. Jersey Number 10 was awarded U/A and we have decided to release the film on May 19. The reason behind the quick decision to bring the film to theatres is that the number 10 is quite powerful and the release date adds up to it. I co-wrote the story of the film sometime ago with my mother and was looking for an opportunity to get into acting. Stunt master Thriller Manju has been my main motivator in getting the ball rolling on my debut film. I did not want to begin my filmi journey with just a love story; it had to be something inspirational, which is why I chose hockey,” explains Adyah.

The film, he adds, is about a youngster, who lives with his grandfather, with the latter a former state-level player who could not make it to the national team and dreams of getting his grandson there. “The grandfather is determined to make his grandson a national level player, but that is easier said than done, so the film follows the trials and tribulations in this journey. However, the film is not all about hockey and has a love track too,” he says.