Kings for Company

Now,Datta’s extensive footage has been made into a documentary,a first for IPL and KXIP. Britain-based independent producer Simon Rogers is the man behind the project,which is titled Living with Kings. All set to release this month (India release is yet to be finalised),the 90-minute film is a look into the life and times of the team. “Everyone wants a bite of Indian cricket,and this year three major television channels including National Geographic are following the IPL series. We are the first to come out with a feature,” says Datta who also worked as Mumbai Indians’ content manager for some time this year.

Back home,Datta’s busy running his own production company — Starving Artist Videos — which was set up last year. Datta’s forte lies in camerawork,in bringing out the details,moments that make the team. Catching up with the crowds,the pep talks by Preity Zinta,the chats with Ness Wadia,Adam Gilchrist’s takes,dancing with the cheerleaders and following the team — the documentary,he says,is an ode to the team and its spirit. “Rogers had hired me as assistant cameraman and had got a very seasoned director from the UK. But there were some last-minute issues and I was roped in as director,” says Datta,who already had the script chalked out in his head. “I wanted it to be as real as possible with no special effects,” he says.

Incidentally,it was while making this film that Datta got hooked on to cricket. “It’s more of a mental game than physical,” he says. The best part about KXIP,he says,is its fan following. “It’s not exactly a consistently winning team; it has had its share of ups and downs but it soldiers on. The fans of KXIP are its biggest support,” says Datta.

He adds how Zinta is passionate about the game and takes her losses to the heart. “She is into team meetings and motivational talks,” he adds. Datta is now looking at filming Formula 1.