National Award-Winning director Srijit Mukherji has come on board to direct Shabaash Mithu, one of the most awaited films of 2022, replacing Rahul Dholakia. The film is based on real-life incidents of the Indian cricketer and ODI captain of the Women’s National Cricket Team, Mithali Raj, which was previously being handled by Rahul Dholakia. Now, director Srijit Mukherjee will be taking over the charges of Shabaash Mithu as Rahul Dholakia cannot be a part of the film.
Sharing the unfortunate change in the team, Ajit Andhare, COO of Viacom18 Studios said, “Covid disruption have required rescheduling of the 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 had 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 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. “
In context to the same, Rahul Dholakia shares, “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 legendary cricketer Mithali Raj. The passion of a studio head Ajit Andhare, who sat with us on all discussions- in covid, in lockdowns and 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.”
Director Srijit Mukherji who has delivered masterpiece works in both Bengali and Hindi languages is entrusted with the charge of the direction of Shabaash Mithu starring Taapsee Pannu. Sharing about his next project, Srijit said,
“Being a cricket buff and researcher, Mithali’s tale has always been an inspiration to me. I was excited since I first heard of this film being made and now that I am a part of it I look forward to kicking start the journey to bring this exhilarating story on the silver screen soon.”
Shabaash Mithu is the tale of one of the world’s greatest woman cricketer, Mithali Raj and chronicles, the highs and lows, setbacks, and moments of euphoria of Mithali’s life with Taapsee Pannu essaying the titular role. The film release date is yet to be finalized. The poster of the film has already created a lot of buzz among the audience.
