Latest news with #Tamil-language
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
India's first F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan's life to be immortalised on screen
Twenty years ago, Narain Karthikeyan made history when he became the first Indian to race in Formula One at the 2005 Australian GP for Jordan Grand Prix team and broke the glass ceiling. Now, his inspiring and pioneering journey is set to be immortalised on the silver screen through a feature film. The Tamil-language biopic, to be directed by Mahesh Narayanan, is expected to hit the screens next year. 'People understand what F1 is now after Drive to Survive (documentary series on F1 championships) on Netflix, and now the F1 movie as well. So it's great to tell the story about India's first F1 driver. To break all the barriers to get there coming from India, there is a lot of drama in it,' said Narain in a chat with The Hindu. Wild journey 'You can see how tough it is, and F1 has always been like this. It is tough to be one of the elite 20 drivers. To then break other barriers, it was tremendously difficult. However, it was exciting as well. Formula One was my dream, and I think it was a fantastic and wild journey,' added the former F1 driver who started 46 races over three seasons (2005, 2011-12). Narain revealed that the project has been in the works for the last 18 months, and he will be involved in ensuring the on-track action is filmed realistically, which will include training the lead actor in the basics of racing. 'Through this story, we want to show Indians can compete in F1. If it could be done 20 years ago, it can be done now, and hopefully, this inspires the next generation of sportspersons and racers,' said Narain.
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Sudha Kongara On Release Date Speculations And Jana Nayagan Clash Rumours
Last Updated: Sudha Kongara commented on the rumoured release schedule conflict between her film Parasakthi and Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan. Sudha Kongara's much anticipated film Parasakthi, starring Sivakarthikeyan, is in the making. With rumours swirling about a potential box office clash with Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan, the director has finally cleared the air. The speculation has sparked curiosity among fans, eager to know how the two big releases will fare against each other. What Sudha Kongara has to say about the alleged clash and her thoughts on the project? Let's find out. At a recent Galatta event, Sudha Kongara addressed the rumoured Pongal release clash between Parasakthi and Jana Nayagan, saying, 'There are reports of Pongal clash between both films, but I honestly don't know. Only the producer will decide when Parasakthi can release." The clash between Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan and Sivakarthikeyan's Parasakthi has been making headlines. Jana Nayagan's makers have now confirmed a release date of January 9, 2026. Meanwhile, Parasakthi's release date remains under wraps, with speculation pointing towards a potential Pongal release in 2026. During the event, Sudha Kongara shed light on her decision to cast Sivakarthikeyan as the lead in Parasakthi, opposite Ravi Mohan's portrayal of the main antagonist. Praising Sivakarthikeyan's suitability for the role, the acclaimed director of Soorarai Pottru said, 'Siva is definitely the right actor who suits the character. His boy-next-door looks, the honesty and sincerity he has in him, these qualities are similar to my hero's personality, which made him the perfect choice." 'On the other hand, Ravi Mohan is in complete contrast to my character. It is a very different character, and every day working with him is difficult because he is a great person. Casting him goes against the grain," she added. Sudha Kongara's upcoming Tamil-language political drama, Parasakthi, promises to be a gripping tale inspired by the 1965 anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu. Co-written with Arjun Nadesan, the film boasts an ensemble cast, including Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role, alongside Ravi Mohan, Sreeleela, Atharvaa Murali, and others in pivotal roles. Initially, Sudha Kongara had planned Parasakthi with Suriya in the lead role, under the title Puranaanooru (Suriya43), featuring Nazriya Nazim, Fahadh, Dulquer Salmaan, and Vijay Verma in key roles. However, the project was shelved, only to be revived later with a new cast, including Sivakarthikeyan, and a different production company. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Mahesh Narayanan to direct biopic of Indian F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan
Malayalam filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan will direct a biopic on India's first Formula 1 Driver Narain Karthikeyan. Variety reported that the movie will be a Tamil-language feature, chronicling the journey of Karthikeyan. Produced by Faraz Ahsan, Vivek Rangachari and Pratik Maitra, the movie is currently been developed at Blue Marble Films. Shalini Usha Devi, who wrote the Suriya starrer Soorarai Pottru, will pen the script for the F1 movie. Speaking to Variety, Mahesh Narayanansaid, 'Narain Karthikeyan's journey isn't just about racing. It's about belief — in yourself, your country, and a dream no one else can see. That's what drew me to this story.' Karthikeyan, born in Coimbatore, had an early initiation to motorsport, thanks to his father Kakarla Karthikeyan Naidu, who was a rally racer. Karthikeyan soon worked his way through the Formula series, before landing an F1 seat with Jordan in 2005. At the USA Grand Prix, he finished fourth, claiming his first points in the competition. ALSO READ:In conversation with filmmakers Mahesh Narayanan and Wanphrang Diengdoh ahead of IIHS's Urban Lens film festival 'Motorsport gave me everything. This film gives that story to the world,' Karthikeyan, who was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2010, told Variety. Details of cast and crew of the film are yet to be announced.
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Why Sivakarthikeyan was perfect fit for Parasakthi? Sudha Kongara reacts to rumors of clashing with Vijay's Jana Nayagan
Sivakarthikeyan starrer Parasakthi, directed by Sudha Kongara, is currently in production. As the movie is speculated to clash with the release of Thalapathy Vijay starrer Jana Nayagan, here's what the director has to say about it. What does Sudha Kongara have to say about the Jana Nayagan vs Parasakthi clash? Talking at an event for Galatta, Sudha Kongara said, 'There are reports of Pongal clash between both films, but I honestly don't know. Only the producer will decide when Parasakthi can release.' For those unaware, earlier there were reports that Thalapathy Vijay 's alleged final movie, Jana Nayagan, will clash with SK's Parasakthi. The makers of Jana Nayagan have confirmed that the film will be released on January 9, 2026. While an update on Parasakthi's official release date hasn't been made yet, it is speculated to be a Pongal release next year. Sivakarthikeyan and Ravi Mohan in Parasakthi Speaking at the same event, Sudha Kongara revealed why she chose Sivakarthikeyan as the lead, with Ravi Mohan playing the main antagonist. In her response, the Soorarai Pottru director said, 'Siva is definitely the right actor who suits the character. His boy next door looks, the honesty and sincerity he has in him, these qualities are similar to my hero's personality, which made him the perfect choice.' 'On the other hand, Ravi Mohan is in complete contrast to my character. It is a very different character, and every day working with him is difficult because he is a great person. Casting him goes against the grain,' she added. About Parasakthi Parasakthi is a Tamil-language political drama flick, directed by Sudha Kongara, who co-wrote it with Arjun Nadesan. The film is said to be based on the true story of the anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu that happened in 1965. With Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role, the movie features an ensemble cast of actors like Ravi Mohan, Sreeleela, Atharvaa Murali, and many more in key roles. Interestingly, the movie was initially planned with Suriya in the lead role, titled Puranaanooru (Suriya43). The film was supposed to have Nazriya Nazim Fahadh, Dulquer Salmaan, and Vijay Verma in key roles, but the cinematic venture was shelved with Kongara reviving it with a new cast and production company.
News18
3 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
NK 370: Mahesh Narayanan To Direct Biopic On India's First F1 Driver Narain Karthikeyan
Last Updated: Mahesh Narayanan will direct NK 370, a feature film about Narain Karthikeyan's journey to becoming India's first Formula One driver. Filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan, known for his work in 'Take Off," 'Malik," and Locarno title 'Ariyippu," is set to direct the tentatively titled 'NK 370", chronicling the extraordinary journey of Narain Karthikeyan, India's first Formula One driver. 'Motorsport gave me everything. This film gives that story to the world," said Karthikeyan. The film follows Karthikeyan's remarkable rise from a rebellious boy in Coimbatore to the international racing circuit, overcoming class, color, and crashes to reach Formula One's pinnacle. 'Narain Karthikeyan's journey isn't just about racing. It's about belief — in yourself, your country, and a dream no one else can see. That's what drew me to this story," said Narayanan. The Tamil-language feature film is currently in development at India's Blue Marble Films. It will be produced by Faraz Ahsan, Vivek Rangachari, and Pratik Maitra. The screenplay comes from Shalini Usha Devi, who penned the critically acclaimed 'Soorarai Pottru," reports Ahsan said, 'India has some of the most dangerous roads in the world — just surviving traffic here takes skill. But what fascinated me was how someone like NK went from navigating those roads to racing at 365 km/h — a speed faster than a commercial aircraft at takeoff. I've been after Narain for years to secure the rights, and after a few honest conversations and the right team coming together, he finally said yes." The story begins with young Narain sitting on his father's lap, gripping the steering wheel of an old rally car. His father, a former national rally champion, had filled their home with engines, tools, and unrealized dreams. At five, Narain received a homemade go-kart, crashing and spinning across the driveway — particularly enjoying wet conditions that made racing more challenging. Despite his parents' concerns about the expensive sport and lack of government support, Narain's passion never wavered. After excelling in his 10th-grade exams, he convinced his parents to let him return to racing. His father modified a Maruti 800 into a training car and became his coach, as reported by At fifteen, Narain entered his first Formula Maruti race at Sriperumbudur circuit in Chennai in 1992. Starting 17th on the grid, he fell to last place early but rallied in the final 10 laps, overtaking 16 racers to finish third — announcing the arrival of India's motorsport underdog. To prove himself internationally, Narain attended the prestigious Winfield Racing School in France, where more than 30 F1 drivers had trained. As the only Indian and only brown-skinned driver, he faced racism and bullying from 20 white students from elite families. During his final test in wet conditions, he recorded the second-fastest lap time, earning recognition as 'something special." The film will showcase both his triumphs including wins in Formula Asia, British Formula Ford, and Formula 3 and his setback at the Macau Grand Prix, where he crashed at 270 km/h on the final lap while leading by six seconds. The narrative includes his romantic subplot, meeting his future wife in an elevator — a woman who knew nothing about racing but believed in him unconditionally. His redemption came when he returned to Macau, trained harder by driving dangerous mountain hairpins in Ooty, and won the race that had once destroyed his dreams. view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 17:46 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
