Srijit Mukherji to direct cricketer Mithali Raj’s biopic, featuring Tapsee Pannu

Renowned Indian director Srijit Mukherji will replace Rahul Dholakia in Taapsee Pannu starrer 'Shabaash Mithu', the biopic of Indian cricketer Mithali Raj.

Dholakia announced that he is quitting the film owing to scheduling conflicts due to the coronavirus pandemic. He issued a statement on Tuesday that will no longer be part of the team because of these issues.

Dholakia said in the statement, "Unfortunately, I won't be part of the dream, but I am, and will always be there for them to realise their dream. COVID messed up everyone's schedules, mine was no different. Ajit has a vision and a plan for the film and the way to realise it. I wish him and the team the very best for it."

Under the banner of Viacom18 Studios, "Shabaash Mithu" started shooting on April 5, days before the Maharashtra government halted film and television shoots due to the pandemic. Producer Ajit Andhare recently announced that Rahul has stepped down from the director's chair and filmmaker Srijit Mukherji will take over.

"Covid disruptions have required rescheduling of shoot and as a result, Rahul is moving on from Shabaash Mithu. Srijit Mukherji will now take over the director's mantle. Srijit has worked with us closely on Ray (upcoming film on Netflix) and our plans of making a cricket film together will now come to fruition. I am sure he will bring all his passion and craft to this dream film," said Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Studios, in a statement.

For Srijit Mukherji, Shabaash Mithu is the perfect project to immerse in as he is a huge cricket fan. While the film's lead actress, Taapsee Pannu, has already begun work on her form and cricketing shots, the makers are yet to decide when to start the shoot.