Boxing aficionados may recall the story of Sikh flyweight champion Pardeep Singh Nagra and his refusal to appease the Canadian boxing hierarchy by shaving. At day’s end, Nagra’s story certainly resonates as one of true inspiration and noticeably why it would grip the attention of actor Prem Singh (Breakaway) who would then partner with screenwriter Michael Pugilese to put together a fitting feature in boxing biopic, Tiger.
Lack of funding and support in Canada reportedly landed the film better straits in the states with financing from R2M productions. Alas, with Singh front and center for an American incarnation of the title role and the attachement thereafter of Aussie director Alister Grierson (Sanctum) finally came progress, coupled with snagging Academy Award nominee, Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) to play Frank Donovan, Nagra’s coach and ultimately his cornerman both inside the ring and out.
A practicing Sikh is banned by the boxing commission for refusing to back down from his religious beliefs. Through racial profiling and stereotypical threats, he does what any strong American would do, fight back.
The film has been ready to go since around 2016 though it looks like the film is finally getting some breathing room with select theatrical releases on November 2.
