The Indian Women's Cricket Team's recent victory in the World Cup has ignited a renewed wave of enthusiasm for "Chakda Xpress," the long-awaited biopic of Jhulan Goswami starring Anushka Sharma. Goswami, who captained the Indian team from 2008 to 2011, was visibly emotional as she witnessed the team's triumph, a dream she had pursued throughout her two-decade career. This momentous occasion has prompted fans and netizens to rally for the release of "Chakda Xpress," which has been delayed for quite some time.
"Chakda Xpress" chronicles the journey of Jhulan Goswami, a girl from a small town in West Bengal who rose to become one of the fastest bowlers in women's cricket. Goswami holds the world record for the most wickets (255) in Women's One Day International cricket, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. Despite completing production in 2022, the film's release remains uncertain, leaving fans eager to witness the inspiring story of this iconic cricketer.
The journey of "Chakda Xpress" has been fraught with challenges since its inception in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant delays, and Anushka Sharma's pregnancy led to one of the producers exiting the project. However, Netflix India and Clean Slate Filmz collaborated to produce "Chakda Xpress" after the success of "Bulbbul". Anushka Sharma underwent training with Jhulan Goswami, and photos from the shoot circulated online. Filming was completed in December 2022, and Netflix initially planned to release the film in October 2023.
However, a fallout between Netflix India and Clean Slate Filmz, reportedly due to creative differences, led to the termination of their partnership. Consequently, "Chakda Xpress" remains in limbo, with no updates from Netflix. The film's editor, Manas Mittal, noted the lack of promotional activity by mid-September 2023, suggesting the film's release was unlikely.
The recent World Cup victory has amplified the demand for "Chakda Xpress," with fans taking to social media to urge Netflix, Anushka Sharma, and Clean Slate Films to release the film. Some fans have expressed disappointment over the delay, with one user noting that the film "finished shooting in 2022 but never saw the light of day". Others have cited the "widespread outrage following the teaser" as a potential reason for the delay, with viewers feeling that Anushka Sharma's portrayal did not resemble Jhulan Goswami.
Despite the controversies and delays, many believe that "Chakda Xpress" holds significant importance, especially after India's World Cup win. The film celebrates the life of a pioneering woman cricketer who defied the odds to achieve greatness. As one fan wrote, Jhulan Goswami "carried the flag for women's cricket in an era when not many were watching". The release of "Chakda Xpress" would not only honor Goswami's legacy but also inspire future generations of female cricketers.
