Sports and films capture the imagination of Indians and anything related to them is simply lapped up instantly.
Since both of them have ample drama, action and glamour, people are forever keen on knowing what goes on in their lives.
With films based on sports stars doing well last year, there are few more films lined up for release this year. And then came the news that a biopic on MS Dhoni was being planned.
Now, that is a bit of a surprise, as there are many cricketers who have broken many more records than Dhoni. But somehow, Dhoni was considered to be a people’s captain and he has charmed his teammates and his fans with his endearing personality.
Only recently, Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his retirement from Test cricket. Talk in Bollywood is that Dhoni has already been paid Rs 20 crores for the rights to his life story. And given the curiosity among film buyers and industry in general, looks like Dhoni is still a brand name that sells off field.
Also, ever since the biopic titled MS Dhoni: The Untold Story has been announced with Sushant Singh Rajput as the lead, many buyers have been showing interest in betting on the film.
And now, the latest story doing rounds in Mumbai is that the Fox Star Studios has acquired the rights for the film. Since they already have major investments in a major sports channel, many feel it is but natural for them to invest in such ventures as it would be commercially viable.
According to a source, though negotiations had been going on for a while, the deal has been sealed at Rs 80 crores. And out of this, Rs 20 crores has already been paid to Dhoni.
Apparently, the cricketer will also get additional share in the film’s profits and royalties. However, when some media tried to approach the Studios, they were told that talks were on, but the figures being quoted were totally off the mark.
Neeraj Pandey has scripted the biopic and he is currently finishing the writing bit. But like the rest of the team, he too is tight-lipped and refuses to say a word pointing out that he has signed a non-disclosure agreement with the film-makers.
And for sports enthusiasts and general public, the film will trace the life and time of World Cup winning captain on field and reveal some interesting things about his personal life.
