Mumbai: Filmmaker Srijit Mukherji has come on board to direct Taapsee Pannu-headlined Shabaash Mithu. Srijit Mukherji is taking charge after Rahul Dholakia’s exit from the project owing to change in schedules amid the coronavirus pandemic. This information was shared by the makers of the film Tuesday. Shabaash Mithu is the biopic on Indian cricketer Mithali Raj. It went on floors in April, before the second wave of Covid-19 put the shooting on hold. The film is backed by Viacom18 Studios.
Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Studios said it was unfortunate that Dholakia, known for movies such as Parzania and Raees, won’t be able to direct the biopic.
“Covid disruptions have required rescheduling of shoot. 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,” Andhare said in a statement.
Andhare said he is confident that Mukherji will do justice to Shabaash Mithu. The helmer has also directed a segment on the studio’s upcoming Netflix anthology, Ray.
“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,” Andhare added.
Mukherji is known for helming Bengali films like Jaatishwar and Gumnaami. He said he was always inspired by the life of Raj and was thrilled to direct her biopic. “I was excited since I had first heard of this film being made. 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,” the director said.
Dholakia said he was unable to direct the biopic as ‘Covid messed up everyone’s schedules, mine was no different’.
The director also lauded Taapsee’s passion to ‘immerse herself in the character and said it was a delight to work with the actor. “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,” Dholakia added.