Bollywood superstar Anushka Sharma has now finally geared up for her comeback after an almost seven-year-long wait to get on the screen again with the Chakda Xpress movie. The film is a sports biopic based on the life of the Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami, depicting the struggles and victories of one of the most prominent Indian women cricketers.
Anushka, who was last seen in Zero (2018) with Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, had moved back from acting to concentrate on the production ventures under her company, Clean Slate Filmz. She is coming back with Chakda Xpress in what will probably be one of the strongest roles of hers on celluloid.
The Story Behind Chakda Xpress
Jhulan Goswami’s remarkable journey from a small Bengali hamlet to become the captain of India’s women’s cricket team has been documented via Chakda Xpress. The movie honors her tenacity, resolve, and the difficulties she encountered in shattering stereotypes in a sport that was dominated by men.
This biopic, which was directed by Prosit Roy and supported by Anushka’s brother, was meant to be her return. The film began production in June 2022 and was completed by December 2022 following months of intense cricket training. Anushka announced the film’s completion on Instagram, writing-
“It’s a wrap on #ChakdaXpress, and thank you @JhulanGoswami for the final clap to bring an end to the shoot!”
As one of the biggest sports biopics from India on Netflix, the movie was supposed to be available for direct streaming. However, its release was postponed indefinitely because of internal creative hurdles.
Later Netflix also tweeted:
It’s a wrap on #ChakdaXpress.
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) December 26, 2022
Playing soon 💙🎬🏏 pic.twitter.com/s3axP4skY4
Why the Delay in Release?
It was mainly the creative differences between Clean Slate Filmz and Netflix on the film’s final cut and budget that were said to be the primary reasons for the delay. Initially, Netflix kept the release in hold when the post-production alterations were not agreed upon by the two parties.
Nevertheless, with the recent victory of the Indian women’s cricket team in the World Cup, the public’s interest has been renewed and the film’s makers have started to talk to Netflix again, this time for the earliest possible release. Rumors have it that the streaming giant is rethinking its release policy, thus raising the possibility of a premiere by the end of 2025.
A Symbolic and Strategic Comeback
Anushka Sharma sees Chakda Xpress not only as a film but also as a proclamation of persistence and transformation. The film fits into her persona as a determined, freedom-loving independent artist who supports women-oriented narratives. Although she had taken a break from acting but had actively participated in women-oriented films as a producer. Her production house, Clean Slate Filmz, has produced movies and series such as NH10, Pari, Bulbbul, Qala, and web series like Paatal Lok, to name a few, indicating her dedication towards the art.
The fans of Anushka Sharma are very excited for her to play the role of Jhulan Goswami, because the first hints from the behind-the-scenes video show her hard training and transformation for the role. The actor has already received a lot of praise for her commitment to portraying the subtle mental and physical aspects of a sportsperson.
Fans’ Reaction and Assumption
Although the specific date for Chakda Xpress’s official release is still not known, insiders from the production suggest that the delay might be finished soon, as the makers want to push it for an OTT release as soon as possible after the remarkable win in women’s cricket by the Indian team. And the whole scenario has created a discussion and surge of excitement as fans look forward to Anushka Sharma’s magnificent comeback.
In case it comes to theaters this year, Chakda Xpress would be a female sports landmark film, a display of bravery, and a recognition of Anushka’s immortality as the most versatile actress in the film industry even after taking such a long break from the art.
