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...
Acting
Anupam Kher elevates every scene as the disapproving father.
Writing
Russell Peters' improv keeps the script from drowning in cliché.
Production
Toronto locations feel authentically lived-in, not Hollywood-Canada.
Director
Rob Lieberman
Vinay Virmani
Rajvinder Singh
Camilla Belle
Melissa Winters
Rob Lowe
Dan Winters
Anupam Kher
Darvesh Singh
Russell Peters
Sonu Singh
Gurpreet Ghuggi
Uncle Sammy
Sakina Jaffrey
Livleen Singh
Noureen DeWulf
Reena Singh
Pamela Sinha
Aunty Jasleen
Prem Singh
Deva Singh
Al Mukadam
Inderjit Singh
Ali Hassan
Nikku Singh
Rup Magon
Jassi Singh
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
One of the first mainstream Canadian films to center Sikh-Canadian identity in sports, predating 'Hockey Night in Canada' diversity campaigns by years.
Vinay Virmani wrote the screenplay based on his own experiences playing hockey as a turbaned Sikh in Toronto suburbs.
CA
