Srijit Mukherji to helm Taapsee Pannu starrer biopic Shabaash Mithu

Based on the life of Indian cricketer Mithali Raj, Shabaash Mithu, featuring Taapsee Pannu in the titular role will now be helmed by award-winning Bengali filmmaker Srijit Mukerji. Director Rahul Dholakia, who was earlier directing the project officially confirmed on Tuesday that he will be exiting from the project.

Taking to his social media handle, Dholakia tweeted saying, "There are some films which you know you have to do. Shabaash Mithu was that film. When I read the script I was certain, this film I had to do; that was almost a year and a half ago - unfortunately, I have to end the journey that started in November 2019. I won't be directing the fabulous script written by Priya Aven, and conceived by Apt Andhare."

"I have so many fond memories attached to this film that I can't help but get emotional when I write this note. This film was always about passion - The passion of Mahal` Raj, the greatest Indian woman cricketer ever, and her story which we were trying to tell," he added.

Dholakia also revealed that the decision to step back from the project came after schedule clashes with prior commitments.

Later on, trade analyst Taran Adarsh confirmed that Srijit Mukherji, who made his Bollywood directorial debut with the 2016 movie Begum Jaan starring Vidya Balan, will be helming the project.

Shabaash Mithu revolves around the life and journey of Indian women's ODI captain Mithali Raj, who is considered the face of Indian Women's Cricket across the world. The script is penned by Priya Aven and produced by Viacom18 Studios. Taapsee Pannu, who will be seen stepping into the character of Mithali in the film, is undergoing hardcore training To prep for the role.

Apart from this project, Taapsee has an impressive lineup of films like Rashmi Rocket, Dobaaraa and Looop Lapeta. Her upcoming movie, Haseen Dillruba, set to premiere on July 2, exclusively on Netflix is already creating a lot of buzz.