Jersey is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language sports drama film written and directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri and produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi under Sithara Entertainments.
It stars Nani and Shraddha Srinath with Ronit Kamra, Sathyaraj, Harish Kalyan, Sanusha, Sampath Raj and Viswant Duddumpudi in pivotal roles.
The film's music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whereas cinematography was handled by Sanu John Varghese and editing done by Naveen Nooli.
Jersey was released worldwide on 19 April 2019, receiving critical acclaim with praise for its direction, plot, screenplay, editing, music, score, emotional weight and cast performances (especially from Nani and Kamra).
The man receives a phone call and a lady from other side tell him that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) scheduled to felicitate, honour his father in a public event.
Arjun's ex-coach Murthy approaches him with a request to play in a charity match being planned between the Hyderabad cricket team and New Zealand.
Arjun tells Sarah that he is constantly told he is unable to do anything, but now has rediscovered his true calling, expressing his fear and anger after hearing his wife's doubt in him.
Back in 2019, the adult Nani (the man who bought the book at the beginning) and Sarah are invited to a felicitation ceremony of Arjun in a hotel.
Nani reveals that Arjun was a true fighter who fought despite knowing the consequences contradicting his critics who labelled him as the one who perished while pursuing his dreams but in actuality, he was accomplishing his son's wishes to see his father as cricketer despite knowing that his death would be certain, imparting “it’s never too late to dream.” In June 2018, Nani was reported to sign his 23rd film with Gowtam Tinnanuri, who made his debut with Malli Raava (2018), which was officially announced at the second season of the Bigg Boss Telugu show, which commenced on 10 June 2018.
[11] The pre-production work of the film took place soon after its announcement, and makers decided to start the shoot in September 2018, only after finalising the cast and crew members.
[16] The technical crew also included Sanu John Vargehse, Naveen Nooli and Avinash Kolla as the cinematographer, editor and art director respectively.
While Adah Sharma was reported to act in a special song in the film,[20] it was claimed as baseless rumours, since the actress did not confirm her presence.
[21][22] The film was launched on 17 October 2018, with the presence of the crew members, whilst Trivikram Srinivas attending the ceremony as the chief guest.
[27] In an interview with The Indian Express, director Tinnanuri stated about the film's plotline which deals with late bloomers,[28][29] who want to aspire in the sports field, but they face difficulties from doing so.
[48] The film opened at US in 140 screens, a day before its scheduled premiere on 18 April, whose distribution rights were bought by Blue Sky Cinemas for ₹3.5 crore (US$400,000).
[54] Neetishta Nyayapati of The Times of India gave 4 out of 5 stars stating, "Jersey will make you laugh, cry and cheer out loud.
"[55] The Indian Express gave 4 out of 5 stars stating, "Not just drama, Jersey has enough cricketing moments to draw you to the edge of the seat.
"[56] Writing for the Hindustan Times, Haricharan Pudipeddi gave 4 out of 5 stars stating, "Jersey manages to showcase the cricket games as convincingly as possible.
"[57] Firstpost gave 4 out of 5 stars stating "Jersey packs in so many emotional moments that it'll leave you with a heavy heart and loads of tears.
"[58] Indiaglitz gave 3.5 out of 5 stars stating, "'Jersey' is a stunning narration with touching scenes, honest rendition of dialogue, apt performances, and sound technical values.
"[59] Sify gave 3.5 out of 5 stars stating, "Jersey is a refreshing and compelling sports drama and the film offers many heart-warming moments.
"[60] Behindwoods gave the film a rating of 3.25 out of 5 and stated, "Jersey is a layered sports drama with strong technical work, making it a must watch.
"[62] Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu wrote, "Gowtam Tinnanuri presents an endearing sports drama backed by strong performances.
"[64] India Today gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Director Gowtam Tinnanuri's Jersey is not just your regular sports drama.
"[65] Suresh Kavirayani of Deccan Chronicle gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Keeping the best for last, Gowtam ends the film with a twist which enhances the tale.
"[66] Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "The sports drama genre, be it fictional or biopics, is in vogue in Indian cinema.