Biopics have always found takers in the industry. Be it of sports stars or political leaders, true-life stories interest audience and make for wonderful films. Now, joining that list is a film on weightlifter Karnam Malleswari, the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Olympics. The film will simultaneously be made in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, and will be directed by Sanjana Reddy.
A source says, “Karnam Malleswari is an inspiring role model for many. A recipient of Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Padma Shri, she now runs an academy to train aspiring sportsperson. On her birthday,
Kona Venkat announced a film on the legendary weightlifter. Since she has a pan-India appeal, the film will be made in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi simultaneously. Apart from writing the film, Kona Venkat – who has written several films like the Telugu version of Prabhu Dheva-Tamannaah-starrer Devi and Madhavan-Anushka-starrer Nishabdham – will also produce the film with his associate MVV Satyanarayana. Sanjana Reddy, who helmed the 2018 comedy Raju Gadu, will be directing the film in all the three languages.”
We hear that makers have zeroed in on an actress to play the lead. “It’s an A-lister, and an announcement regarding the cast and crew will be made soon.” Among the other biopics being made in multiple languages include Vijay’s Thalaivi, starring
Kangana Ranaut in the role of Jayalalithaa, and Kabir Singh’s 83, starring Ranveer Singh and Jiiva, among others, that is based on Team India’s historic win at the Cricket World Cup in 1983. A biopic on Syed Abdul Rahim, who is known as the architect of modern Indian football, with Ajay Devgn and Priyamani, and Saina Nehwal, with Parineeti Chopra essaying the badminton champ, are among the other sports biopic in the making.