IPL 10 run-up: Priyadarshan to direct 11 ads; Salim-Sulaiman will compose anthem

Indian Premier League (IPL) 10 is set to kick off next month. Not only cricketers but also the film celebrities are prepping up for the gala sporting event which is a fine blend of cricket and glamour.

Filmmaker Priyadarshan has been roped in to direct 11 advertisements for the IPL. DNA reports that Priyadarshan, who resides in Chennai, is in Mumbai to shoot for the first of the 11 ads that he has signed up to direct. The ad agency of the IPL is conceptualising these 11 ads for an associate sponsor of the event.

The first ad will feature veteran actor Paresh Rawal along with a host of cricketers. IPL ads are popular for their wit, creativity and length. This year would be no different in terms of the content which will remain cricket-oriented and appropriate for family viewing, The other ads will tread on the same lines but instead of a renowned Hindi film actor, will incorporate regional actors from across India in order to gain traction among people from non-Hindi speaking states. Also, these ads will last only for 15 seconds each.

The Times of India reports that Priyadarshan was planning to buy stakes in the IPL team of Kerala, Kochi Tuskers Kerala back in 2011. However, when that deal did not strike, Priyadarshan resorted to directing the theme song of the team, as reported by News 18 .

As far as this season of IPL is concerned, Mid-Day  reports that music composer duo Salim-Sulaim has collaborated with singer Benny Dayal to come up with the anthem of IPL 10, titled ‘10 Saal Aapke Naam’. This season marked the third time Salim-Sulaim collaborated with the organisers of the IPL. “The concept of dedicating this season to admirers of the sport is interesting. We wanted to make a hummable song, which people could dance to. That was the greatest challenge,” says Salim Merchant, as per the report.

IPL 10 is slated to begin on 5 April.