Likes: 5
Views: 3.26K
A hockey enthusiast since 12 years of age, Toronto-based Rajvinder Singh, even went to the extent of trimming his hair, discarding his Pagri/turban, did not complete his education, incurred the wrath of his father, Darvesh, who wanted him to be involved in the family business as well as confirm and respect Sikh religion principles and values. Hoping to play professional hockey, Rajvinder, along with other fellow Sikh players, instead finds himself treated as the object of ridicule, referred to as a ‘joker’, by mainstream Caucasian players. Even his friends tease him and ask him to take up ‘Guli Danda’ and Kabaddi’, while his father makes him work for Uncle Sammy as a truck driver. He is attracted to stunning law student Melissa Winters while her brother, Dan, offers to coach Rajvinder and his team. Unable to get themselves included in any team, they form their own, and call it ‘Speedy Singhs’. They then set about to make a name for themselves with a coach who is unable to pronounce their names, and assumes that they belong to the same family as all their last names are ‘Singh’. The team, headed by Rajvinder, has an uphill task, challenging the reigning champions ‘Hammerheads’, while Rajvinder must counsel his school-going brother, Gurveer, who is being harassed for looking ‘different’, deal with family pressures – especially after Darvesh announces that his son has forsaken hockey once and for all.
Duration: 101 min
Released: 2011
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10 (1,743 Votes)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Hindi Movies, Sport
Stars: Vinay Virmani, Rob Lowe, Camilla Belle, Russell Peters
Directors: Robert Lieberman
Writers: Noel S. Baker, Jeff Schechter, Matt Simmons, Ajay Virmani, Vinay Virmani
Year: 2011
Server 1 – Dailymotion
Watch Part 1
Watch Part 2
Watch Part 3
Watch Part 4
Server 2 – Videoweed
"Breakaway," also known as "Speedy Singhs" in some regions, is a delightful 2011 sports comedy-drama that beautifully balances humor with heartfelt moments. Directed by the emerging talent director, and co-written by Vinay Virmani who also stars in the film, "Breakaway" captures the essence of chasing one's dreams amid cultural conflicts and family expectations. Set against the backdrop of Canada’s Punjabi community, this movie is a refreshing blend of hockey, Punjabi culture, and youthful ambition.
Plot Summary:
The story follows Rajveer Singh, affectionately called Raj, played by Vinay Virmani. Raj is an aspiring hockey player living in Brampton, Ontario, who faces challenges from both his family and society while dreaming of playing professional hockey. Despite his father’s traditional and conservative views, especially regarding Raj's mother, and the cultural expectations of settling for a routine life, Raj is determined to carve out a different path that honors both his heritage and his passion.
Raj's journey includes dealing with racial stereotypes, cultural clashes, and the pressures of assimilating into a predominantly Western society while trying to keep his roots intact. The hockey rink becomes a symbolic ground where these elements mix—issues of identity, ambition, and family ties come to a head. As Raj fights for a spot on the hockey team, the film deftly weaves in comedic moments, dramatic highs, and inspiring sports action.
Main Cast and Characters:
Director and Writers:
Vinay Virmani not only plays the lead role but also conceptualized and co-wrote the film’s script, bringing an authentic voice to the depiction of diaspora experiences and cultural intersections. The director, Robert Lieberman, a veteran filmmaker, brings his seasoned expertise to deliver a compelling narrative with an engaging pace and meaningful performances.
Musical Score and Songs:
Being a Bollywood-influenced production with Punjabi cultural themes, "Breakaway" is enriched with an energetic soundtrack that complements its sport and cultural themes. The music blends traditional Punjabi beats with contemporary rhythms, capturing the youthful and fresh spirit of the film. The soundtrack features songs sung by renowned singers, bringing vibrancy and emotional depth to the story, although the film is primarily English-language with Hindi and Punjabi phrases interspersed.
Why This Movie Matters:
"Breakaway" is more than just a typical sports movie. It delves into the nuanced experiences of immigrant families caught between preserving their cultural identity and adapting to new environments. It sheds light on the aspirations of second-generation immigrants who strive to honor their heritage while fitting into a different society. Moreover, the movie successfully uses the metaphor of hockey—a quintessentially Canadian sport—to explore themes of unity, acceptance, and breaking barriers.
Performances and Cinematography:
Vinay Virmani delivers a sincere and affecting performance as Raj, grounding the film's emotional core. Camilla Belle adds charm and warmth, while Rob Lowe's portrayal of the coach adds gravitas to the story. Veteran actor Anupam Kher imbues the role of the father with complexity, highlighting the tension without villainizing the character. Acting is complemented by well-choreographed hockey sequences that bring energetic action to the narrative.
The cinematography captures both the glimmering ice rinks and the colorful cultural milieu of the community vividly, balancing indoor and outdoor scenes effectively to maintain narrative engagement.
Conclusion:
"Breakaway" (2011) stands out as a heartfelt celebration of cultural pride, family bonds, and the pursuit of dreams. It is a must-watch not only for sports enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in stories about identity, perseverance, and bridging cultural divides. The film’s light-hearted tone, mixed with impactful messages and well-rounded characters, makes it an inspiring watch that resonates long after the credits roll.
For more information, you can visit the film's official IMDb page: Breakaway (2011) on IMDb.
Subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates for latest hindi movies. Stay Connected!
