Gopichand, the man who coached Olympic medallists PV Sindhu
A biopic on Pullela Gopichand, the man behind India's badminton success in Olympics, is in the making and is likely to be released mid-next year .
Pullela Gopichand has been shaping the careers of many Indian players, including Olympic medallists Saina Nehwal and the 21-year-old PV Sindhu, who clinched a silver medal on Friday.
Sudheer Babu, brother-in-law of Telugu actor Mahesh Babu, will play Gopichand. "Gopi's is a compelling story of a real hero that needs to be told,'' said Sudheer Babu, who has played badminton with the celebrated coach.
Telugu Actor, director Sudheer Babu will play Gopichand in his biopic
"I have watched him at close quarters, so I am probably better placed to play the role. I have played doubles with him. I need to work on the looks though," Sudheer Babu told NDTV.
Gopichand is known to be someone who keeps a low-profile and believes in allowing his work to do the talking. So how did he react to the idea of being immortalised on celluloid? "He was at first reluctant, but we convinced him that it is a story that needs to be told. The story board has been approved by him,'' Mr Babu said.
The film, to be made in Hindi and Telgu, will be produced by Abhisek Nama and will be directed by national award-winning director Praveen Sattaru. It is expected to be shot in Hyderabad, Lucknow, Bengaluru and Birmingham. Work for this began 18 months ago. The movie will be launched in November this year.
From the early days of struggle as a sportsperson, the huge pressure and challenges for the family, shuttling between the courts and the classroom, the unflinching support of his mother, dealing with injuries and setbacks that virtually threatened to put a full-stop to his career to finally becoming the 2001 all England Badminton champion, the film is expected to focus on the first phase of Gopichand's success story.
"There is only one Gopichand... this country and Indian sport need more Gopichands, so that we can get more Sainas and Sindhus,'' said Gopichand's mother Subbavaramma.
Subbavaramma - Gopichand's pillar of strength - spends much time at her son's badminton academy.
National badminton champion HS Prannoy, who has spent many years at Gopichand's Academy at Hyderabad is excited about the project.
"We all know what Gopi has done. I hope the film and its director are able to capture that and convey it in the best possible manner.''