Dhoni Entertainment forays into mainstream film production with a Tamil film
How it happened ? Ramesh Thamilmani had collaborated with the sci-fi web series , graphic novel Atharava The Origin written by Adarsh. Dhoni was conceptualized in the superhero role and motion poster created and released by Rajinikanth. This was supposed to be India's very own Superhero from a mythological background. Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya had produced a film Linga with was supposed to be India's answer to Marvel and Hollywood superheroes and boasted of being the only Superhero character based on a living LEGEND. Producer was Latha Rajinikanth and the family was left with debts and court cases.
Producer of this Athrava was one Vincent Adaikalraj and it was credited as Virzu Studios in collaboration with Midas Deals Pvt. Ltd. Vincent is no stranger to films as he produced a film MEOW ( Tamil film and not the Malayalam film recently released on OTT). Gayahthri Iyer, who played the lead was popular in Kannada films and is a known face in Hindi Telly soaps like Naagin 6.- Haiwaan the Monster.Run up to the official announcement: M S Dhoni was shooting next door to Vijay at Gokulam Studio in Chennai for Kauvery Hospital advt and both had a exchange of pleasantries'. Soon it was Dhoni produces Thalapathy's next. It was a start and led to Mahesh Babu joining the cast and later it was Lady Superstar Nayanthara centric film. Next was that Sanjay Wadhwa of AP International was the executive producer as Rajinikanth had suggested his name. Dhoni's company denied it. It was reported that Dhoni was to do a Prithviraj and Kichha film.
Now Vijay ha two films and director- producer's confirmed and Mahesh Babu has tied with Shankar and this means two years locked. Nayanthara is one left and as per Ramesh's revelation, Sakshi has given a family entertainer subject.
Why Tamil and not Hindi ? ; Business Head says there is no Regional v/s Bollywood and it is South films all the way an so Tamil films and it will be available in multiple languages. Dhoni according to a popular folklore in Chennai is a Sowcarpettai ( Chennai suburb where Rajasthani families stay) guy with North Indian parents and speaks fluent Tamil and so also his wife. Rai Lakshmi the actress still gets questions from media about her linkup with Dhoni.
Press Release note: ~ Conceptualized by Sakshi Singh Dhoni, the family entertainer will start rolling soon ~
: Legendary cricketer Mahindra Singh Dhoni and his wife Sakshi Singh Dhoni’s production house Dhoni Entertainment has commenced the various stages of producing entertainment content, across all mainstream languages. Dhoni Entertainment has already carved a name for itself by producing and releasing the popular documentary, the 'Roar of the Lion', based on the IPL matches played by the Chennai Super Kings. “Women’s Day Out”, a short film about Cancer awareness was also produced by them.The exceptional bond that Dhoni shares with the people of Tamil Nadu is eminent. Reinforcing this extra special relationship further, Dhoni Entertainment will be producing its first film in Tamil, a family entertainer conceptualized by Sakshi Singh Dhoni, the Managing Director of Dhoni Entertainment and will be directed by Ramesh Thamilmani, who has also authored Atharva - The Origin, a new age graphic novel. The cast and crew of the film will be announced shortly.Besides Tamil, Dhoni Entertainment is in talks with multiple filmmakers and script writers to create and produce exciting and meaningful content across genres including science fiction, crime drama, comedy, suspense thriller, and more.“From the moment I read the concept written by Sakshi, I knew it was special. The concept was fresh and had all the potential to be a fun family entertainer. I am honored and very grateful for this opportunity to develop this really fresh concept into a feature film story and to be directing the film as well.” Says Ramesh Thamilmani, the Director. He adds, “All of us are excited to kick start this journey and bring this special film to life for the audience to watch and enjoy.”Vikas Hasija, Business Head, Dhoni Entertainment says, “Post Pandemic, the business of the mainstream films in India has become a singular entity, the boundaries are blurred and there is no Regional cinema vs Hindi cinema debate anymore. As more Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films are equally celebrated in the North, Dhoni Entertainment does not want to limit itself as a single-language production house. Our priority is to reach our Indian audiences in every nook and corner of our country, through meaningful stories. Though our first film will be originally made in Tamil, it will be released in multiple languages.”Adding to this, Priyanshu Chopra, the Creative Head of Dhoni Entertainment says, “We believe that ‘Content is King’. We at Dhoni Entertainment are concentrating on content that explores our roots and stays true to the milieu with earthy characters and authentic depictions of our culture. Films with rooted stories always win hearts and our aim is to make such realistic films with universal appeal.”