Breakaway

Breakaway

Year: 2011

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Rob Lieberman

RomanceDramaComedy

Rajvinder Singh, a Toronto Sikh who’s loved hockey since age 12, shaves his hair, drops his turban and quits school to chase a pro career, incurring his father’s wrath, who wants him in the family business and to honor Sikh values. Facing ridicule from white players and pressure to play traditional games, he works as a truck driver for his uncle. He’s drawn to law student Melissa Winters, whose brother Dan agrees to coach him. When existing teams reject them, Rajvinder and fellow Sikh players form their own squad.

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Timeline & Setting – Breakaway (2011)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Breakaway (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Temple, Hockey rink, Trucking company

The story moves between a Sikh temple and the local hockey rink, with a trucking company grounding the family business. The temple scene underscores cultural identity and community support, while the rink is where Rajveer battles prejudice and pursues his dream. Together, these spaces anchor the film's themes of pride, perseverance, and belonging.

🕌 Temple 🏟️ Hockey rink 🚚 Trucking company

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:40

Main Characters – Breakaway (2011)

Meet the key characters of Breakaway (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rajveer Singh (Vinay Virmani)

Rajveer is a college dropout who spends his time playing hockey with his friends and helping out at his family’s trucking company. He cut his hair after childhood bullying, a decision he regrets and tries to keep hidden while pursuing hockey. His leadership of the Speedy Singhs shows his determination to follow his passion while proving himself to his father and community.

🏒 Hockey 👨‍👩‍👦 Family 🧭 Identity

Darvesh Singh (Anupam Kher)

Darvesh is Rajveer’s father and the owner of the family trucking business. He wants his son to take responsibility and help run the company, and he disapproves of Rajveer’s hockey obsession. Their conflict centers on tradition versus personal aspiration, culminating in a tempered reconciliation at the end.

👨‍👦 Family 🛠️ Work 🧭 Tradition

Melissa Winters (Camilla Belle)

Melissa is Dan Winters’ younger sister and Rajveer’s love interest. She becomes a bridge between Rajveer and Dan, supporting his dream while navigating family dynamics. Her involvement helps shape the team’s morale and relationships.

💖 Love 🏒 Sports 🤝 Connection

Dan Winters (Rob Lowe)

Dan is the owner of the rink and acts as the coach who initially doubts the Speedy Singhs but ultimately becomes their mentor. He provides coaching, sponsorship guidance, and a practical perspective that helps the team grow.

🏒 Hockey 🤝 Leadership 👨‍🏫 Mentorship

Reena Singh (Noureen DeWulf)

Reena is Rajveer’s cousin, engaged to Sonu. Her wedding backdrop brings the community together and serves as a motivator for the team, highlighting the communal pride surrounding their success.

👪 Family 🎉 Celebration 🕊️ Community

Sonu Singh (Russell Peters)

Sonu is Reena’s fiancé. He adds a communal and celebratory energy to the narrative, praising the Speedy Singhs and underscoring the pride their success brings to the community.

🎭 Comedy 🏒 Sports 🕊️ Community

Uncle Sammy (Gurpreet Ghuggi)

Uncle Sammy is Rajveer’s uncle, who helps secure a sponsor and keeps Rajveer’s hockey playing a secret. He provides practical support and a familial network essential to the team’s resilience.

👨‍👦 Family 🛠️ Support 🗝️ Sponsor

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:40

Major Themes – Breakaway (2011)

Explore the central themes of Breakaway (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Identity

Rajveer's Sikh identity, including his turban and hair, is a core part of who he is and how others perceive him. The story treats heritage as a source of strength that motivates him to push beyond obstacles. His journey shows that personal pride and cultural roots can unite teammates and communities rather than divide them.

🤝 Teamwork

The Speedy Singhs learn to work as a cohesive unit despite varying skill levels. Rajveer, Dan, and Uncle Sammy build trust through shared goals and persistence. The team's growth hinges on mutual support, leadership, and keeping the dream alive against setbacks.

⚖️ Inclusion

The film tackles inclusion – from helmet designs that respect turbans to legal support that allows hindrance-free participation. It highlights how communities can adapt traditions to welcome talent from diverse backgrounds. The climactic final emphasizes that fair treatment opens doors for everyone.

❤️ Family

Family drives the drama: a father who wants his son to assume responsibility, and a son who must reconcile love for hockey with filial duty. The ultimate victory is as much a reconciliation with Darvesh as it is a win on the ice. The ending reinforces that family support can empower personal dreams.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:40

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Breakaway Summary

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Breakaway Timeline

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Breakaway Spoiler-Free Summary

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