The much-anticipated biopic chronicling the life of V. Shantaram, set to feature Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tamannaah Bhatia, has experienced a significant delay and is now slated for release in 2027. Production plans indicate that filming will commence in April of the coming year. The strategy involves completing outdoor sequences early, capitalizing on favorable weather, and then transitioning to indoor shoots during the monsoon season.
In the interim, director Abhijeet Deshpande is pivoting his creative focus to a new project: “Kambli.” This ZEE5 series will delve into the compelling life of former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli. The production is being handled by Ravi Bhagchandka’s 200NotOut Productions, the same company behind the successful documentary “Sachin: A Billion Dreams,” which chronicled the illustrious career of Sachin Tendulkar. Deshpande revealed to Bollywood Hungama that his work on “Kambli” began concurrently with his research for the V. Shantaram biopic in 2019. He emphasized that Bhagchandka has been an integral partner throughout the development process. Deshpande expressed his ambition to present a fresh perspective on Kambli’s life, highlighting that the series will be less about sports statistics and more about the deeply human story beneath the public persona.
Deshpande initially envisioned the project as a Marathi feature film. However, as he delved deeper into the former cricketer’s extensive life story, he quickly realized that a feature film format would be insufficient. The sheer volume of material and the inherent drama within Kambli’s experiences necessitated a more expansive narrative approach. He explained that a series would allow for a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. Furthermore, producing the series in Hindi is expected to significantly broaden its appeal and reach a wider audience, ensuring that Kambli’s unique journey resonates with more viewers.
While the casting process is still underway, the production team is actively seeking a new actor who not only physically resembles Kambli but can also embody his complex personality with authenticity and nuance. The aim is to deliver a sensitive and realistic portrayal of the cricketer’s life. Although specific shooting dates are yet to be finalized, the current projection is for filming to begin in November 2026, with aspirations to complete the entire shoot in one continuous stretch spanning three to four months. Once “Kambli” is complete, Deshpande plans to resume his work on the V. Shantaram biopic.
The series “Kambli” promises to chart the tumultuous and often dramatic career of Vinod Kambli. It will explore his emergence as a prodigiously talented young batsman, recognized for his exceptional skills, and then delve into the personal and professional challenges that ultimately redirected the course of his career. Beyond the often sensationalized headlines, the series aims to paint a vivid picture of a life characterized by immense potential, remarkable achievements, and the private struggles that shaped him. This biographical drama is poised to offer a compelling look at the highs and lows of a cricketing icon, providing a deeper understanding of the man behind the legendary bat. More news on this exciting project can be found in the entertainment section.
