The cricket fever seems to be at an all time high in Bollywood right now. With two films on cricket up for release in the next two weeks, followed by another one in just over a month’s time and one film recently announced last month, there is a lot in the offing for the cricket and cinema lover in me. Adding to that list is the Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami’s biopic, which had me really excited as it was supposed to be Anushka Sharma’s return to the screens after three years, but there seems to be a new development on that project.
According to a report in Peeping Moon, Anushka is no longer a part of the film in the acting capacity, and it is actress Triptii Dimri, who has stepped in to take on the role of the legendary cricketer.
A source close to the development said:
“The project has gone through a major change in the last couple of months and although the film is still happening, Anushka will not star in it. Now, Bulbbul actress Tripti Dimri will frontline this film while Anushka will be a part of it only as a producer. She is co-producing it along with Sony Pictures India.”
A picture of Anushka on field with Jhulan had gone viral a while back that increased the intrigue of the audience about the project. But then the film was put on a hold after Anushka announced her pregnancy with daughter Vamika. It was to start by this year’s end but it has now been pushed to first quarter of 2022.
The report further added that instead of a theatrical release, the film is now being made as a Netflix original. It is helmed by Prosit Roy, who had previously directed Pari, and he has already started the prep for the film.
The source added:
“Tripti will have to undergo rigorous training for months before she starts shooting for the film. It’s an extremely physically demanding project that requires months of physical and mental dedication to get into the skin of the character. And this is the reason Anushka left the film. She doesn’t want to do such a heavy lifting film so soon after her delivery. She is rather looking for some light-hearted, romantic projects that she can shoot without compromising her mother’s duty.”
The biopic is reportedly titled Chakdah Express and follows the heart-warming yet fascinating, inspiring, and thrilling tale of the cricketer chasing her dream and becoming the highest wicket-taker in Women’s One Day International Cricket. It is now going to premiere on Netflix later in 2022.
As much as I would have loved to see Anushka take on this challenging role, I am sure Triptii would bring her own flavour to it and do complete justice. She has already shown her capabilities in films like Laila Majnu and Bulbbul, so I only have high hopes from her. But this does mean an increased wait for Anushka’s return to the big screen and now I eagerly await an announcement from the actress about her next on screen outing.