Anushka Sharma’s seven-year absence from screens might finally end, but not without drama. Chakda ‘Xpress, the Jhulan Goswami biopic that’s been stuck in Netflix limbo, suddenly has renewed hope following India’s historic Women’s Cricket World Cup victory on November 2, 2025. The makers have written a passionate plea to Netflix executives, betting that the nation’s cricket fever can resurrect the shelved project.
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Chakda ‘Xpress Film That Almost Wasn’t
Chakda ‘Xpress was supposed to be Anushka Sharma’s triumphant return after her 2018 film Zero. Instead, it became Bollywood’s most high-profile shelved project, leaving fans frustrated and the legendary cricketer’s story untold on screen.
| Film Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Plan | Netflix biopic of cricketer Jhulan Goswami |
| Problem | Budget overruns + creative differences with Netflix |
| Current Status | Shelved but under reconsideration |
| Catalyst for Hope | India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup championship win |
| Potential Impact | Anushka’s first release in 7 years |
| Decision Timeline | Final verdict expected this month |
According to Mid-Day reports, the core issue wasn’t the film’s quality but misaligned expectations. “The production house went over-budget. What added to the woes was that the platform heads didn’t like the way the project was shaping up. But it’s still a solid film,” revealed a team member.
Why the World Cup Changes Everything
India’s dramatic victory over South Africa in the World Cup final has shifted cultural momentum. Women’s cricket dominates national conversation, with record viewership and unprecedented celebration. The timing couldn’t be better for a film celebrating one of Indian cricket’s greatest female athletes.
An insider shared: “The recent victory has put the attention back on the biopic. Internal discussions at the streamer have started, and the team is expected to take a final pass this month to determine if it can be released after additional work.”
The filmmakers’ plea to Netflix India executives acknowledges this perfect storm: “We have personally written to top executives at Netflix India to see if they can rise above the conflict so that the film can see the light of day. A biopic on a legend like Jhulan di deserves to reach the audience.”
What’s Really at Stake
For Anushka Sharma, this represents more than a comeback—it’s validation of her choice to tell stories that matter. The actress-producer has consistently championed content-driven projects over formulaic star vehicles, and Chakda ‘Xpress embodies that philosophy.
Actress Renuka Shahane, who reportedly watched the film, defended it passionately: “Chakda ‘Xpress was so powerful and impactful.” Her shock at shelving reports suggests the final product deserves better than streaming service politics.
For Jhulan Goswami, who was present celebrating with the winning squad at the World Cup final, seeing her story reach audiences would complete a legacy. The legendary fast bowler apologized for not delivering the trophy during her playing days—ironic timing as her biopic battles for survival.
Will Netflix Budge?
The streaming giant faces pressure from multiple fronts: public sentiment favoring women’s cricket, a ready-made promotional moment, and creative talent pleading for release. Yet Netflix’s history suggests they prioritize platform strategy over external momentum.
The reported creative differences—what Netflix executives “didn’t like about how the project was shaping up”—remain vague. Does “additional work” mean reshoots, re-editing, or complete overhaul? The budget overruns complicate matters, as throwing more money at a project already deemed problematic rarely appeals to corporate decision-makers.
However, women’s sports biopics have proven commercially viable globally. From King Richard to Battle of the Sexes, audiences embrace authentic stories of female athletic excellence. In India’s current cricket euphoria, Chakda ‘Xpress could capitalize on unprecedented cultural interest in women’s sports.
The clock is ticking. The World Cup momentum has a shelf life. If Netflix decides this month, they could release during peak cricket consciousness. Delay further, and the moment passes—along with Anushka Sharma’s seven-year comeback narrative and Jhulan Goswami’s big-screen tribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Chakda ‘Xpress shelved in the first place?
The shelving resulted from two main issues: production budget overruns and creative differences with Netflix executives who reportedly weren’t satisfied with how the film was developing. Despite team members claiming “it’s still a solid film,” the combination of financial concerns and Netflix’s dissatisfaction with the final product led to the project being put on hold indefinitely, disappointing fans eagerly awaiting Anushka Sharma’s return.
When was Anushka Sharma’s last film release?
Anushka Sharma’s last theatrical release was Zero (2018), starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif. The film underperformed commercially, after which Anushka focused on production ventures through her company Clean Slate Filmworks. Chakda ‘Xpress was announced as her acting comeback, making its shelving particularly significant as it extended her screen absence to seven years—an unusually long gap for a A-list Bollywood actress.
