India’s First F1 Driver Narain Karthikeyan’s Biopic to Be Directed By Mahesh Narayanan

According to a report, Malayalam filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan is preparing to direct a biopic about Narain Karthikeyan, who holds the distinction of being India’s first Formula One driver.

The Tamil-language film, currently in development at Blue Marble Films, is reportedly to be produced by Faraz Ahsan, Vivek Rangachari, and Pratik Maitra, with Amish Shah and Nilaanjan Reeta Datta as associate producers. The screenplay is to be written by Shalini Usha Devi, who previously wrote the script for Sudha Kongara’s highly praised film, Soorarai Pottru (2021).

Faraz Ahsan, the producer of the film was quoted in the report on The Hollywood Reporter India stating that Narain Karthikeyan’s journey was more than just a story about racing. Faraz spoke about Karthikeyan’s story having themes of belief in yourself, your country, and living a dream that’s no one else could see. That’s what drew Faraz to Karthikeyan’s story. He stated that he’d been after Narain for years to secure the rights, and after a few honest conversations and the right team coming together, Karthikeyan finally said yes.

 
Karthikeyan, a native of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, participated in Formula One from 2005 to 2012. In 2005, Karthikeyan made history as India’s first Formula One driver, representing the Jordan F1 team. He eventually achieved another milestone as the first Indian to earn F1 World Championship points, securing a fourth-place finish at the United States Grand Prix. After this, he joined Williams F1 as a test driver.

Mahesh Narayanan’s upcoming film is the highly anticipated Malayalam movie, Patriot. This film is special for the fans since it reunites Mohanlal and Mammootty in important roles, marking their first collaboration in 17 years since Twenty:20 (2008). Filming for the same started towards the end of last year. Also, in February, producer Anto Joseph shared a video extending a warm welcome to Nayanthara as she joined the film’s sets.

Regarding the challenges of assembling such a large cast, Mahesh Narayanan mentioned, “It is not based on any real-life incident, but I cannot reveal more about the film’s themes at this point. However, it is great to have Fahadh and Chackochan amongst the cast; they are my friends who always want me to do better and push me constantly. Having said that, it’s not like I am utilising them just for cameos, they have solid characters with lots of material to perform. The same goes for Lal sir (Mohanlal); he is going to appear in a proper full-fledged role. Now my challenge is to present all these actors on-screen together in the best possible manner.”

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