Vinod Kambli Biopic Series: Director Abhijeet Deshpande Explains Move to Web Format
Director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande is set to helm a biographical series titled Kambli, which will chronicle the life of former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli for the streaming platform ZEE5. The project is being produced by Ravi Bhagchandka’s banner, 200NotOut Productions, which previously produced the documentary Sachin: A Billion Dreams.
What Happened
Following the rescheduling of his upcoming V. Shantaram biopic—starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tamannaah Bhatia—to 2027, director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande shifted his immediate focus to the biographical series on Vinod Kambli. Deshpande began writing the project alongside the V. Shantaram biopic back in 2019 with producer Ravi Bhagchandka.
Although initially conceived as a Marathi feature film, Deshpande opted to expand the project into a Hindi-language streaming series. According to the director, the vast amount of material, significant dramatic events in Kambli’s journey, and the intention to help the story reach a wider audience made the long-form series format far more suitable than a standalone movie.
Key Highlights
- Platform and Production: The series will stream on ZEE5 and is produced by 200NotOut Productions under Ravi Bhagchandka.
- Human-Centric Approach: The director described the project as a human story rather than a conventional sports film, focusing on personal and professional phases beyond headlines.
- Format Decision: Converted from an initial Marathi feature film concept into a multi-episode Hindi web series to fully capture the depth and drama of Kambli’s life.
- Casting Criteria: Casting is currently underway, with filmmakers searching for a fresh face who shares a close visual resemblance to Vinod Kambli.
- Production Schedule: The production team is targeting a filming start in November 2026, aiming to wrap shooting in a single schedule lasting three to four months.
Why This Matters
The biographical series aims to present a comprehensive, realistic look at Vinod Kambli’s sporting rise and personal hurdles. Rather than condensing his life into a standard two-hour film runtime, the streaming format allows the filmmakers to explore his early emergence as a top batting prospect alongside the subsequent professional setbacks and struggles that shaped his career trajectory.
What to Watch Next
The production team is expected to finalise and announce the lead actor playing Vinod Kambli. Filming is tentatively scheduled to begin in November 2026, after which Deshpande will resume work on the V. Shantaram biopic ahead of its planned April production window and 2027 release schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is directing the Vinod Kambli biographical series?
The series is being written and directed by filmmaker Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande.
Why was a series chosen instead of a feature film?
Director Abhijeet Deshpande explained that the extensive volume of real-life events and personal drama could not be properly contained within a single film, and a Hindi series format enables broader reach.
Who is producing the series and where will it stream?
The show is produced by Ravi Bhagchandka’s 200NotOut Productions and will be released on ZEE5.
Source: Based on reporting by Bollywood Hungama.