Renuka Shahane has expressed her disappointment and shock regarding reports that "Chakda Xpress," a film she was a part of, has been shelved. The film, which stars Anushka Sharma as former Indian women's cricket captain Jhulan Goswami, has faced delays since its announcement in 2022, leading to speculation about its future.
Shahane, who played a retired sportsperson in the movie, conveyed her heartbreak to NDTV, stating she was unaware of the development and felt saddened by it. She described "Chakda Xpress" as a "beautiful, impactful" film made with "a very big heart," emphasizing the effort everyone involved had put into the project. She praised director Prosit Roy as a "fine director" and expressed pride in being part of a project that highlighted the struggles and passion of women athletes.
"Chakda Xpress" was conceived as Anushka Sharma's comeback film after "Zero" (2018) and is produced by her brother Karnesh Ssharma's Clean Slate Filmz. The film aimed to depict the life and career of Jhulan Goswami, a successful right-arm medium-fast bowler who served the Indian national team for nearly two decades.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the film, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, another actor in "Chakda Xpress," admitted to being puzzled by the delay. In an interview with News18 Showsha, Bhattacharya revealed he had seen the film in an incomplete state at director Prosit Roy's house and was deeply impressed. He lauded Anushka Sharma's performance, calling it her "best to date," and expressed his bewilderment at the film's delayed release. When asked if the film was shelved or postponed, Bhattacharya said he didn't know, stating that Clean Slate and Netflix were on either side and he had no clue what was going on between them.
Reports suggest that Clean Slate Filmz's partnership with Netflix ended last year, causing delays in several planned releases, including "Chakda Xpress". There are speculations that Clean Slate might repurchase the film from Netflix to explore other release platforms. However, neither Clean Slate Filmz nor Netflix has officially confirmed the film's status.
The delay has affected not only the actors but also the numerous technicians and daily wage workers who depend on film projects for their livelihoods. Bhattacharya emphasized the emotional investment and hard work that goes into making a film, highlighting the impact of such delays on the film fraternity.
Jhulan Goswami herself has also addressed the delay, stating that she has no news about the release and refrains from commenting due to a lack of information.
"Chakda Xpress" was initially expected to premiere on Netflix in October 2023, coinciding with the lead-up to the World Cup. However, as the date approached with no announcements, it became clear that the release was not happening. Despite the uncertainty, Dibyendu Bhattacharya remains optimistic about the film's release, reiterating its quality and Anushka Sharma's outstanding performance. Renuka Shahane's reaction mirrors this sentiment, highlighting the collective disappointment and the hope that the film, which carries a powerful message about women in sports, will eventually reach its audience.
