Cinema VinesIn a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande revealed that his next project will be a Hindi‑language series on the life of former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli, rather than a feature film. The series, to be produced by Ravi Bhagchandka’s 200NotOut Productions, will air on ZEE5 and is expected to begin shooting in November 2026, with a planned wrap in three to four months.
Deshpande, who had originally conceived the story as a Marathi feature, explained that the depth and drama of Kambli’s career demanded a longer format. "When I studied his life, there was so much material and so much drama that it's impossible to encapsulate all of that in one film," he said. He added that a Hindi series would allow the story to reach a wider audience and give viewers a more humanised portrayal of the cricketer.
The production team is still searching for a fresh face who can convincingly resemble Kambli. While the casting process remains open, the director emphasised the importance of sensitivity and realism in depicting the cricketer’s personal and professional challenges. The series will trace Kambli’s journey from his early promise as a batting prodigy to the setbacks that altered his trajectory.
Deshpande will shift his focus to the V. Shantaram biopic—starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tamannaah Bhatia—once the Kambli project is complete. The Shantaram film, which has been delayed to 2027, is set to start filming in April next year, with outdoor sequences planned first and interior shoots scheduled during the monsoon season.
Produced by 200NotOut Productions, the banner behind the acclaimed Sachin Tendulkar documentary Sachin: A Billion Dreams, the Kambli series promises to explore a life filled with immense promise, unforgettable achievements and personal struggles beyond the headlines. Stay tuned for further updates as the project moves forward.
