After a seven-year hiatus from acting, Anushka Sharma is poised to make one of Bollywood’s most anticipated comebacks. The actress, last seen in Shah Rukh Khan’s Zero (2018), has been away from the silver screen focusing on production ventures and family life with cricketer husband Virat Kohli. Now, with renewed momentum following India’s historic Women’s World Cup 2025 victory, her comeback project Chakda ‘Xpress is closer than ever to seeing the light of day. Here’s everything you need to know about Anushka Sharma’s upcoming films and her journey back to cinema.
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Anushka Sharma’s Upcoming Movies: Complete Overview
| Film Title | Genre | Director | Character | Platform | Expected Release | Production Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chakda ‘Xpress | Biographical Sports Drama | Prosit Roy | Jhulan Goswami | Netflix | 2025-2026 | Post-Production |
| Untitled Next Project | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | 2026+ | Under Consideration |
1. Chakda ‘Xpress – The Long-Awaited Biopic (Netflix, 2025-2026)
The Project That’s Been Three Years in the Making
After India’s ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 victory in November, the Chakda ‘Xpress team has urged Netflix to finally release this Jhulan Goswami biopic that has been held up for three years. Filming wrapped on December 26, 2022, yet the film remains unreleased due to creative and budgetary disputes between Clean Slate Filmz and Netflix India.
The Story Behind the Film: Chakda ‘Xpress traces the glorious journey of one of the fastest female pacers in cricket history, Jhulan Goswami, as she overcomes misogynistic politics to fulfill her dream of playing cricket for India. The biographical sports drama explores how Jhulan revolutionized women’s cricket in India during an era when the sport offered women minimal support, facilities, stable income, or career prospects.
Anushka’s Role and Preparation: Anushka Sharma underwent extensive cricket training to authentically portray the legendary fast bowler. The role required her to master Jhulan’s bowling action, build the physical stamina needed for a fast bowler, and capture the emotional journey of a woman fighting systemic barriers. Those who’ve seen the film describe Anushka’s performance as “the best” of her career, showcasing a depth and intensity that marks a significant evolution in her acting prowess.
The Cast and Crew: Directed by Prosit Roy (who previously directed Anushka’s production Pari), the film also stars Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Renuka Shahane, Anshul Chauhan, Koushik Sen, and Mahesh Thakur in pivotal roles. Written by Abhishek Banerjee and produced by Karnesh Ssharma under Clean Slate Filmz, Chakda ‘Xpress was conceived as a landmark project celebrating Indian women’s cricket.
Why the Delay? The Netflix Controversy Explained
The primary issue stems from Netflix executives being dissatisfied with how the project was shaping up, combined with the production going over-budget. According to industry insiders, what was initially pitched differed significantly from the final product, leading to creative disagreements. The platform heads reportedly didn’t like the film’s tone and structure, resulting in repeated postponements.
However, sources close to the production maintain that “it’s still a solid film” despite these concerns. The difference appears to be one of expectations versus execution rather than quality issues. Internal discussions at Netflix have restarted following the Women’s World Cup victory, with the team expected to make a final decision this month on whether the film can be released after additional work.
The Perfect Timing: India’s World Cup Victory Changes Everything
The November 2, 2025, Women’s World Cup triumph has created unprecedented momentum for the film’s release. The makers have personally written to top Netflix India executives, urging them to reconsider disagreements so that “a biopic on a legend like Jhulan di deserves to reach the audience”. The timing couldn’t be more perfect—national pride in women’s cricket is at an all-time high, creating the ideal cultural moment for a film celebrating Jhulan Goswami’s pioneering contributions.
Social media has erupted with demands for the film’s release, with cricket fans, film enthusiasts, and women’s sports advocates all calling for Netflix to resolve the impasse. The film’s team sees this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ride the wave of enthusiasm for women’s cricket while honoring Jhulan’s legacy.
What Makes This Film Special
Breaking Barriers Through Cinema: When Jhulan decided to become a cricketer and make her country proud globally, it was extremely tough for women to even consider playing the sport. Chakda ‘Xpress isn’t just a sports biopic—it’s a story of tremendous sacrifice, perseverance against societal prejudice, and the fight to change stereotypes about women in professional sports.
Jhulan’s Legacy: The film chronicles how Jhulan Goswami became one of India’s most celebrated pacers despite facing an uncertain career with minimal institutional support. Her determination to change the narrative—that women couldn’t make careers from cricket in India—paved the way for the current generation of female cricketers who now enjoy better facilities, recognition, and opportunities.
Anushka’s Personal Connection: Anushka’s marriage to Virat Kohli gives her unique insight into cricket culture, the pressures of professional sports, and the sacrifices athletes make. This personal connection likely informed her portrayal, adding authenticity to her performance as Jhulan.
Release Expectations and Predictions
While no official release date has been announced, industry experts predict a potential 2025 or early 2026 Netflix premiere if negotiations succeed. The streaming platform faces a critical decision: either release the film as-is to capitalize on current enthusiasm, or invest in additional post-production work to address creative concerns before launching.
Given Netflix’s investment in the project and the cultural moment surrounding women’s cricket, releasing Chakda ‘Xpress would be a strategic win. The film could become a landmark title in Netflix India’s catalog, similar to how biographical sports dramas like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story or Mary Kom resonated with audiences. For more insights into Bollywood’s biographical films, check out our entertainment coverage.
2. Anushka Sharma’s Future Projects: What’s Next?
The Selective Approach to Choosing Scripts
Anushka once revealed that taking long breaks between films is crucial for her to be rejuvenated and make right decisions with a balanced mind. She stated, “I’m dying to sign a great script and get back on the set. That’s what I love doing the most. I want to feel creatively charged.”
This philosophy explains her seven-year absence from acting. Unlike many Bollywood actresses who sign multiple films simultaneously, Anushka follows a quality-over-quantity approach, waiting for scripts that genuinely excite her creatively. This selective strategy has historically paid dividends—her filmography includes critically acclaimed hits like PK, NH10, Sultan, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
Potential Collaborations on the Horizon
While Chakda ‘Xpress remains her only officially confirmed upcoming film, industry buzz suggests Anushka is reading scripts and considering new projects. Reports indicate discussions with various filmmakers, though nothing has been officially announced. Given her production company Clean Slate Filmz’s track record of backing unconventional stories, her next acting project will likely be equally distinctive.
Production Focus Continues: Even during her acting hiatus, Anushka has remained active as a producer. Clean Slate Filmz has backed successful projects including the critically acclaimed web series Paatal Lok (2020) and Bulbbul (2020) on Netflix. This dual role as actress-producer gives her unique control over her career trajectory and the ability to wait for truly compelling acting opportunities.
The London Chapter and Family Priorities
In 2024, Anushka and Virat Kohli relocated to London with their two children, Vamika and Akaay. This move reflects their desire for privacy and a balanced family life away from constant media scrutiny in India. However, Anushka has made occasional appearances in India for work commitments, indicating she hasn’t permanently stepped away from Bollywood.
The London base provides flexibility—Anushka can choose projects selectively, fly to India for specific shoots, and maintain work-life balance. This arrangement might influence her future film choices, potentially favoring projects with condensed shooting schedules or those that can accommodate her international base.
Anushka Sharma’s Stellar Career: A Brief Retrospective
From Model to Bollywood Powerhouse (2008-2018)
Born on May 1, 1988, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, to army officer Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, Anushka’s journey to stardom began unexpectedly. She was discovered by a fashion designer while visiting a friend at a boutique and quickly became a successful model before entering films.
The Blockbuster Debut: Anushka made her cinematic debut in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) opposite Shah Rukh Khan at age 20. Director Aditya Chopra took a major risk casting a complete newcomer opposite Bollywood’s biggest star, but Anushka’s natural performance and chemistry with SRK made the film a massive hit, earning over ₹160 crore worldwide.
Building a Legacy (2010-2016): Her subsequent films established her versatility across genres:
- Band Baaja Baaraat (2010): Proved she could carry a film as the lead, not just as a star’s romantic interest
- PK (2014): Earned ₹792 crore globally, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film at the time
- NH10 (2015): Marked her production debut with a gritty thriller that showcased her range
- Sultan (2016): Delivered ₹623 crore worldwide alongside Salman Khan
- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016): Demonstrated her ability to portray complex emotional characters
The Producer-Actress Emergence: In 2015, Anushka founded Clean Slate Filmz with her brother Karnesh Ssharma, becoming one of the youngest female producers in Bollywood. This move gave her creative control and allowed her to champion unconventional stories that mainstream studios might avoid.
Box Office Power and Critical Acclaim
Anushka’s films have collectively grossed over ₹3000 crore worldwide, making her one of Bollywood’s most commercially successful actresses. Beyond box office numbers, she’s earned three Filmfare Award nominations and widespread critical recognition for performances balancing commercial appeal with artistic integrity.
Her willingness to take risks—whether playing a ghost in Phillauri (2017), a possessed woman in Pari (2018), or a woman suffering from cerebral palsy in Zero (2018)—demonstrates commitment to challenging herself rather than playing safe commercial roles. This fearlessness has earned her respect from filmmakers and audiences alike.
The Clean Slate Filmz Legacy
As a producer, Anushka has backed groundbreaking content:
- NH10 (2015): A brutal thriller about honor killings that pushed boundaries
- Phillauri (2017): A quirky romantic fantasy exploring unconventional love stories
- Pari (2018): A horror film that subverted genre expectations
- Bulbbul (2020): A feminist period horror that became a Netflix sensation
- Paatal Lok (2020): A crime thriller web series that earned critical acclaim and multiple awards
These projects reflect Anushka’s commitment to championing female-centric narratives, regional stories, and content that challenges societal norms. Her production choices have influenced Bollywood’s shift toward more diverse, content-driven storytelling. Explore more about Bollywood’s evolution in our web series recommendations.
Why Anushka’s Comeback Matters for Bollywood
Filling the Content-Driven Actress Void
During Anushka’s absence, Bollywood has seen few actresses consistently choosing challenging, content-driven roles over purely commercial ventures. Her return could reinvigorate the industry’s commitment to substantial female characters rather than decorative romantic interests.
The Chakda ‘Xpress Impact: If successfully released, this film could inspire more biographical sports dramas centered on female athletes—a genre that remains underexplored despite India’s rich history of sporting heroines. It would validate the commercial viability of women’s sports stories beyond the few successful examples like Mary Kom or Chak De! India.
Bridging Cinema and Cricket Culture
Anushka’s unique position as both a leading actress and cricket icon Virat Kohli’s wife gives her unprecedented access to both entertainment and sports worlds. Her portrayal of Jhulan Goswami could help bridge these cultures, potentially attracting cricket fans to cinema and vice versa.
The film also arrives at a pivotal moment when women’s cricket in India is experiencing explosive growth in viewership, sponsorships, and cultural recognition. Chakda ‘Xpress could capitalize on and further accelerate this momentum, introducing Jhulan’s story to audiences who might not know women’s cricket history.
Redefining Comeback Narratives
Anushka’s seven-year break challenges Bollywood’s traditional notions about career longevity. In an industry that often sidelines actresses after marriage or motherhood, her potential successful return would prove that talented actresses can take extended breaks, focus on family, and return to meaningful work on their own terms.
This precedent matters for the next generation of actresses navigating career and personal life decisions. It demonstrates that stepping back doesn’t mean career suicide—it can mean returning with renewed perspective, maturity, and selective wisdom about project choices.
The Production Controversy: What We Know
Clean Slate Filmz vs. Netflix India
A fallout occurred between Clean Slate Filmz and Netflix India, likely due to creative differences and budget problems. The production house reportedly exceeded the agreed budget, while Netflix executives weren’t satisfied with the evolving project. These dual issues created an impasse that has lasted three years.
Industry insiders suggest the conflict reflects broader tensions in Indian OTT content production. As streaming platforms invest heavily in original content, disagreements over creative control, budget management, and final cut authority have become increasingly common. The Chakda ‘Xpress situation represents a high-profile case study of these evolving producer-platform dynamics.
The Financial Stakes
While exact figures haven’t been disclosed, biographical sports dramas typically require substantial budgets for authenticity—cricket stadiums, match recreation, period-appropriate settings, and extensive training for actors. The reported budget overruns likely involved these production elements, creating financial concerns for Netflix about return on investment.
However, the film’s current cultural relevance following the World Cup victory significantly increases its commercial potential. What might have seemed like a risky investment in 2022-2023 now appears strategically valuable in late 2025, potentially justifying Netflix’s additional investment to resolve creative concerns and market the film effectively.
What Fans Can Expect from Anushka’s Comeback
A More Mature, Nuanced Performance
Anushka’s seven-year break, combined with life experiences including marriage, motherhood, and producing diverse content, has likely deepened her artistic maturity. Early reports from those who’ve seen Chakda ‘Xpress suggest this shows in her performance—a more layered, emotionally complex portrayal than her previous work.
The role of Jhulan Goswami requires depicting a multi-decade journey from small-town girl to national sports icon, navigating professional challenges, personal sacrifices, and societal opposition. This scope gives Anushka an opportunity to showcase range beyond anything in her previous filmography.
Physical Transformation and Cricket Authenticity
Playing a fast bowler demands significant physical transformation. Anushka reportedly trained extensively with cricket coaches and fitness experts to authentically replicate Jhulan’s bowling action and build the muscular strength required for the role. This dedication to physical authenticity mirrors her preparation for roles in Sultan (where she played a wrestler) and demonstrates her commitment to character immersion.
Authentic sports sequences can make or break biographical films. If Chakda ‘Xpress successfully captures the intensity, technique, and drama of international women’s cricket, it could set new standards for Indian sports biopics, much like how Bhaag Milkha Bhaag or Dangal elevated the genre.
Official Resources for Updates
Stay updated on Anushka Sharma’s upcoming films and comeback through:
- Netflix India – Official streaming platform for Chakda ‘Xpress
- Bollywood Hungama – Anushka Sharma – Complete filmography and news
- IMDb Anushka Sharma – Professional updates and project announcements
For more Bollywood insights, explore our movie streaming guides and entertainment coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When will Anushka Sharma’s Chakda ‘Xpress release on Netflix?
While no official release date has been announced, recent developments suggest a potential 2025 or early 2026 premiere. Following India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 victory in November, the film’s makers have urged Netflix India executives to resolve creative and budgetary disputes that have delayed the release for three years. Internal discussions at Netflix have restarted, with a decision expected soon on whether to release the film after additional post-production work. The cultural momentum surrounding women’s cricket makes this an opportune time for release, though Netflix must balance timing with quality concerns to ensure the biographical sports drama does justice to cricketer Jhulan Goswami’s legacy.
Q2: Why did Anushka Sharma take a seven-year break from acting, and what has she been doing?
Anushka’s hiatus since Zero (2018) stems from her philosophy that taking breaks allows creative rejuvenation and better decision-making. She relocated to London in 2024 with husband Virat Kohli and their two children (Vamika and Akaay) to maintain privacy and family balance. During this period, she remained active as a producer through Clean Slate Filmz, backing acclaimed projects including the web series Paatal Lok and Bulbbul on Netflix, both earning critical acclaim. She’s also been reading scripts selectively, waiting for roles that genuinely excite her creatively rather than signing films for commercial reasons alone. This quality-over-quantity approach reflects her commitment to meaningful work rather than maintaining constant screen presence.
