Saiyami Kher's Perspective on Cricket Films and Female Athletes
Actress Saiyami Kher, who first gained recognition in Bollywood through her 2016 debut film 'Mirzya' alongside Harshvardhan Kapoor, has recently shared her thoughts on the timing of sports film releases in connection with real-world cricket events. The actress, known for her work in films like 'Mauli', 'Choked', and the recent sports drama 'Ghoomer', expressed genuine excitement about Anushka Sharma's upcoming cricket biopic 'Chakda Xpress' despite her own film's re-release coincidence with the Indian Women's Cricket team's historic victory.
World Cup Win Shouldn't Dictate Film Releases
During an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble, Kher addressed whether Anushka Sharma's much-anticipated 'Chakda Xpress' should capitalize on the current cricket momentum, especially since her own film 'Ghoomer' is being re-released in theaters to celebrate the Indian Women's Cricket team winning the 2025 ICC World Cup. The actress presented a thoughtful perspective, emphasizing that the quality and significance of the story should drive release decisions rather than temporary sporting events.
Saiyami Kher clarified that 'Chakda Xpress' focuses on the remarkable journey of former Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami, and she had been eagerly awaiting this project for approximately 2 to 2.5 years. She expressed that while the World Cup victory provides an excellent backdrop for cricket-themed films, the primary reason to celebrate such movies should be the inspirational stories they tell about sporting legends.
Celebrating Jhulan Goswami's Legacy
The actress spoke passionately about Jhulan Goswami's contributions to Indian cricket, describing her as 'an incredible fast bowler who made a significant impact on the country'. Kher highlighted that for cricket enthusiasts who followed Goswami's career closely, she represented a formidable challenge on the field - 'a very difficult bowler to face'.
Kher emphasized that any time represents an appropriate moment to release 'Chakda Xpress' because the film ultimately celebrates Jhulan Goswami's achievements and the barriers she broke for women in sports. Her comments reflect a broader appreciation for sports biopics that focus on authentic storytelling rather than commercial timing.
About Chakda Xpress and Anushka Sharma's Comeback
'Chakda Xpress' stands as a biographical sports film chronicling the career of former Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami. The project features scriptwriting by Abhishek Banerjee and direction by Prosit Roy. Anushka Sharma headlines the production in the lead role, marking her significant return to the silver screen after her last major appearance in the 2018 film 'Zero'.
The supporting cast includes accomplished actors such as Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Renuka Shahane, Anshul Chauhan, Koushik Sen, and Mahesh Thakur in pivotal roles. Interestingly, despite completing principal photography in December 2022, the film's official release date remains unannounced, creating anticipation among Bollywood and cricket enthusiasts alike.
Anushka Sharma's previous film 'Zero' featured her alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, where she portrayed Aafia Bhinder, a scientist with cerebral palsy. The film followed the journey of Bauua Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) as he navigated relationships and personal growth, eventually culminating in a Mars rocket mission selection.
As Bollywood continues to explore sports narratives, particularly focusing on women athletes, both 'Ghoomer' and 'Chakda Xpress' represent significant contributions to this growing genre. Saiyami Kher's comments highlight the industry's evolving approach to sports storytelling, where authenticity and respect for athletes' legacies take precedence over commercial considerations.
