Point well taken

Mona

As the nation rejoices over PV Sindhu striking gold at BWF World Championships, Sonu Sood feels quite elated. “I was expecting it for a while now,” says the actor, who is producing a biopic on India’s glorious shuttler.

“We were as thrilled, if not more, when Sindhu gave a tough fight to world champion Carolina Mann while settling for silver at Rio Olympics,” says Sonu. He adds, “I had seen that glimmer in her eyes; that aim to clinch the gold eventually back then.” It took some years, but Sonu’s prophecy did come true. 

New poster girl

As for the biopic, he is thrilled. “We have already locked the script; we have got a new climax now.” Since Sindhu is in excellent form and may continue her winning streak, the producer in Sonu is all support for new poster girl.  “I am as proud of Sindhu as any of our countrymen.” 

The biopic idea struck Sood at Rio Olympics. “Hers is one story that the nation must know and celebrate. Each daughter, every parent should know about it,” says Sood, who vouches that his film would change the narrative. “Badminton would be the new cricket of Bollywood post Sindhu biopic,” he assures.

Working hard

The Simmba actor is not only helming the biopic as a producer, but will also be playing a significant role - that of Sindhu’s coach Pullela Gopichand. And, he is keenly preparing for this one. The badminton court in his building is being put to good use, where his sons join him for a few games, “I am practicing as regularly as possible.” 

Done with the scripting for the biopic, Sonu tells that the interaction of the writing team with Sindhu and her family went splendid. “There is more than meets the eye, it’s one touching and inspiring journey that’s bound to find a place in the heart of the audience.”

Cast wise

As for the rest of the cast, many names have been doing the rounds for the titular role; Sonu doesn’t deny nor confirm anything. While rumour mill suggests Deepika Padukone, the name of the director is still not out yet.  “You got to wait for another week or 10 days for that.” The film is all s et to go on the floor within this year itself. “As soon as possible,” he says.

Biopic as a genre, a sports one at that, is the new mantra for success at the box-office. The producer in Sood has a good feeling about this one too. “Sports biopics sure are challenging, and have a huge canvas to mount on. I am going to deliver something really grand.”

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Bollywood celebs congratulate sindhu

Amitabh Bachchan: P.V. Sindhu! Champion of the World Badminton such an incredibly proud moment for India just so honoured to have spent sometime with you at ‘KBC’. You preserved and never gave up! That is the spirit of India and of champions such as yourself.

Shah Rukh Khan: Congratulations. P.V. Sindhu for winning the Gold at the BWF World Championships... Making us proud as  a nation with your exceptional talent. Keep creating history! Aamir Khan: Congratulations P.V. Sindhu. You make us so proud! Respect.

Akshay Kumar: Heartiest congratulations P.V. Sindhu on becoming the first Indian to win a  at the #BWFWorldChampionships2019. What a feat to achieve, you completely smashed it. 

Ajay Devgn: Congratulations Sindhu on your big win. A proud moment for India P.V. Sindhu.

Anushka Sharma: First Indian to win gold at the BWF World Championships 2019...  @Pvsindhu1 what a terrific performance! Congratulations.. you go girl. 

Shekhar Kapur: Amazing match. She never gave up. Knew she could win. It’s not just training  and talent that got P.V. Sindhu to become world champion. It’s her belief in herself. Lots to learn from someone as young as her! Congratulations P.V. Sindhu.

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Truly inspirational

Biopics are not new to Sonu. He refers to Shaheed-E-Azam as his favourite. “While preparing for it I read a lot about Bhagat Singh; it was truly inspirational.”

Sporty screen

In the season of biopics in Bollywood, PV Sindhu’s is not the only one in the pipeline. Life of Saina Nehwal is also being made into a film, with Parineeti Chopra set to portray this Haryana shuttler on screen. Directed by Amol Gupte, the film will hit the screens by 2020. Interestingly, the coach to these two celebrated Indian players Pullela Gopichand’s life is also being turned into a two-part film.