In Kingly 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.

In Chandigarh,Datta runs his own production company,Starving Artist Videos,set up last year. His forte lies in camerawork,in bringing out the details,moments that make the team. The documentary is an ode to the team and its spirit, with pep talks by Preity Zinta,chats with Ness Wadia,Adam Gilchrist’s takes,and dances of the cheerleaders. “Rogers had hired me as assistant cameraman and had got a seasoned director from the UK. But there were some last-minute issues and I was roped in as director,” says Datta,who had thought out the script 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 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 is not exactly the consistently winning team. The team has had its share of ups and downs but it soldiers on. The fans of KXIP are its biggest support,” says Datta. Datta is now looking at filming Formula 1 racing in India.