Chakda ‘Xpress is a sports biopic based on the life of Indian cricket legend Jhulan Goswami, featuring Anushka Sharma in the lead role. It was intended to mark Anushka’s return after a five-year hiatus, showcasing the struggles and achievements of one of women’s cricket’s most celebrated figures.
The film encountered several setbacks from the beginning. Originally scheduled for a 2020 release, its debut was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Anushka’s pregnancy. Filming finally commenced in 2022 and was completed by the end of that year.
A teaser released in 2022 was met with criticism from audiences who believed it lacked authenticity. This reportedly led to creative disagreements between Netflix and the producers, especially after Anushka departed from her production company, Clean Slate Filmz.
Although the film is in the can, there has been no official announcement concerning its release date, trailer, or promotion. Cast members have expressed their confusion; Dibyendu Bhattacharya, who plays a role in the film, described it as “Anushka’s finest work” but admitted there was no clarity about its release. Even Jhulan Goswami recently mentioned she had no updates regarding when or if the film would be released.
Netflix was expected to launch the film in 2023, potentially timed with the Women’s Cricket World Cup. However, due to disagreements regarding the final cut and concerns over the film’s quality, the streaming service appears to have stepped back from the project. Sources indicate that Clean Slate Filmz may now need to repurchase the rights for any chance of a future release.
Currently, Chakda ‘Xpress is completed but remains stuck in limbo. Fans were excited to see Anushka in a powerful sports role, and insiders suggest the film turned out well overall. However, without promotion or an established release plan, it remains a waiting game for audiences.
Chakda ‘Xpress had the potential of a blockbuster comeback—boasting a star-studded cast, an inspiring true story, and a strong production team. Yet, creative issues and post-production conflicts have left it on the shelf for now. Whether it will ultimately be released remains uncertain, but anticipation continues to linger.
