Taapsee Pannu starerr Shabaash Mithu, biopic of cricketer Mithali Raj, which was earlier being directed by Rahul Dholakia will now be directed by Srijit Mukherji. Dholakia introduced that he’s quitting the movie owing to scheduling conflicts as a result of coronavirus pandemic.
Shabaash Mithu went on flooring on April 5, days earlier than the Maharashtra authorities halted movie and tv shoots as a result of pandemic. On Tuesday, producer Ajit Andhare introduced that Rahul has stepped down from the director’s chair and filmmaker Srijit Mukherji, recognized for movies like Jaatishwar and Gumnami, will take over.
Good luck #ShabaashMithu !! And for any additional feedback on this matter kindly contact @MandviSharma ! Thank you all ! pic.twitter.com/FLHTCMFTnR
— rahul dholakia (@rahuldholakia) June 22, 2021
“Covid disruptions have required rescheduling of shoot and as a result, Rahul is moving on from Shabaash Mithu. It’s unfortunate that after sharing and nurturing this dream for a long time Rahul has to part ways. His contribution will remain, I thank him for that and wish him the very best. Srijit Mukherji will now take over the director’s mantle. Srijit has worked with us closely on Ray (upcoming film on Netflix) and our plans of making a cricket film together will now come to fruition. I am sure he will bring all his passion and craft to this dream film,” stated Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Studios, in a press release.
Rahul Dholakia, in his be aware, stated that parting methods from Shabaash Mithu was a tricky resolution. “There are some films which you know you have to do. Shabaash Mithu was that film. Covid messed up everyone’s schedules, mine was no different. Unfortunately, I won’t be directing the fabulous script written by Priya Aven and conceived by Ajit Andhare on the life of the legendary cricketer Mithali Raj.”
“The passion of a studio head like Ajit Andhare who sat with us on all discussions- in covid, in lockdowns; at all times, the passion of a writer like Priya who worked very hard to strike the balance between emotion and cricket is commendable. Taapsee’s passion to immerse herself in the character made it a delight to work with her. Ajit has a vision and a plan for the film and the way to release it. I wish him and the team the very best for it,” Rahul stated.
For Srijit Mukherji, Shabaash Mithu is the proper mission to immerse in as he is a large cricket fan. “Being a cricket buff and researcher, Mithali’s tale has always been an inspiration to me. I was excited since I had first heard of this film being made and now that I am a part of it I look forward to kickstart the journey to bring this exhilarating story to the silver screen soon,” he stated.
