Sports dramas in Indian cinema often strike a chord by blending passion, sacrifice, and family emotions. One of the finest examples is Jersey – first made in Telugu (2019) starring Nani, and later remade in Hindi Jersey – (2022) starring Shahid Kapoor. Both versions are directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, which makes this comparison even more intriguing: same director, different industries, and unique audience receptions.
In this blog, we’ll compare the two versions of Jersey in terms of story, performances, production, earnings, ratings, and audience response.
📖 Story Synopsis
Jersey tells the inspiring story of Arjun, a talented cricketer who quit his career prematurely. Years later, struggling with unemployment and financial issues, Arjun decides to make a comeback in cricket — not just for himself, but to fulfill his son’s simple birthday wish of owning a “Team India Jersey.”
- The Telugu original (2019) emphasizes raw emotions, father-son bond, and Nani’s natural performance, making it an instant classic.
- The Hindi remake (2022) follows the same storyline but with Shahid Kapoor’s intense portrayal, adapted slightly for North Indian sensibilities.
The climax is emotional in both versions, cementing Jersey as a powerful sports drama about dreams, sacrifice, and legacy.
🎭 Cast & Performances
Telugu Jersey (2019)
- Nani as Arjun – effortless, emotional, and deeply relatable.
- Shraddha Srinath as Sarah – strong performance as the conflicted wife.
- Ronit Kamra as the son – adorable and impactful.
Hindi Jersey (2022)
- Shahid Kapoor as Arjun – intense, brooding, and layered, though some critics felt it was too heavy.
- Mrunal Thakur as Vidya – solid but less impactful compared to Shraddha’s role.
- Ronit Kamra reprises his role as the son – continuity that helped carry the same innocence.
📊 Comparison Table
| Aspect | Telugu Jersey (2019) | Hindi Jersey (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Production Budget | ₹28 Crores (approx.) | ₹100 Crores (approx.) |
| Worldwide Earnings | ₹50+ Crores | ₹31 Crores |
| Industry | Telugu (Tollywood) | Hindi (Bollywood) |
| IMDb Rating | ⭐ 8.5/10 | ⭐ 7.2/10 |
| Google Audience Score | 92% | 79% |
| Awards / Achievements | 2 National Film Awards (Best Telugu Film, Best Editing), SIIMA Awards | None major – despite praise for Shahid Kapoor’s performance |
🎬 Direction & Music
- Gowtam Tinnanuri directed both films, keeping the heart of the story intact.
- Telugu version felt more organic and emotionally raw, while the Hindi version was more polished but struggled with pacing.
- Music in Telugu (by Anirudh Ravichander) was refreshing and motivational, while Hindi version (by Sachet–Parampara) delivered soulful songs like Maiyya Mainu that resonated widely.
🏆 Verdict
- Winner: Telugu Jersey (2019)
The Telugu version remains more impactful, emotionally rich, and critically acclaimed. The Hindi version had a strong performance by Shahid Kapoor but underperformed at the box office, mainly due to its higher budget and competition at release.
If you want to experience Jersey at its most authentic and heartfelt, the Nani starrer Telugu original is the one to watch.
📌 Conclusion
Both versions of Jersey are heartfelt tales of passion, sacrifice, and the unbreakable father-son bond. The remake may not have matched the original’s box office glory, but it brought the story to a wider audience. For anyone who loves emotional sports dramas, Jersey is a must-watch — no matter which version you choose.
👉 Have you watched both versions? Which Jersey won your heart — Nani’s raw naturalism or Shahid’s intense passion? Tell us in the comments!
🔗 Read more Remake Review Series posts on Sultanee Blog to explore how originals and remakes (or thematic cousins) stand apart.