Abhijeet Deshpande to Direct Vinod Kambli Biopic Series
Vinod Kambli Biopic Series Set as Director Shifts Focus From V. Shantaram Project
VINOD KAMBLI SERIES ANNOUNCED
Illustration concept: Cinematic artistic render of a cricket bat leaning against a film script titled Kambli, with subtle streaming studio lights in the background.
AI summary
Director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande has prioritized a new ZEE5 series titled Kambli, centered on the life of former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli. The decision follows the postponement of Deshpande's V. Shantaram biographical film starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tamannaah Bhatia to 2027.
Why this matters
The shift highlights how streaming platforms allow creators to expand sports biopics into deeper human dramas rather than fitting complex life stories into standard feature film formats. It also provides 200NotOut Productions another opportunity to showcase Indian cricket history following their acclaimed documentary on Sachin Tendulkar.
Key takeaways
- Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande is directing a ZEE5 web series titled Kambli based on former cricketer Vinod Kambli.
- The project is produced by Ravi Bhagchandka's 200NotOut Productions, which previously produced Sachin: A Billion Dreams.
- Writing for Kambli began in 2019 and was originally planned as a Marathi feature film before expanding into a series.
- Deshpande pivoted to the series after his V. Shantaram biopic starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tamannaah Bhatia was delayed to 2027.
Filmmaker Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande has turned his attention to a streaming project focused on former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli after his previously scheduled biographical film was postponed. According to reports from Bollywood Hungama, Deshpande will direct the web series, titled Kambli, for the streaming platform ZEE5.
The production is being handled by Ravi Bhagchandka under his banner 200NotOut Productions, which previously created the feature documentary Sachin: A Billion Dreams. Deshpande revealed that work on the script began in 2019 alongside his other major endeavor, a biopic on renowned filmmaker V. Shantaram.
The V. Shantaram feature film, which stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tamannaah Bhatia, was recently delayed to 2027. Filming for that project is now expected to begin in April next year, with plans to capture exterior shots early on before moving to studio interiors during the monsoon season.
With the Shantaram film pushed back, Deshpande moved ahead with the cricketer's story. While initially envisioned as a Marathi language feature film, the director decided to expand the project into a multi-episode digital series as his research into Kambli's life deepened. Deshpande stressed that the narrative is framed as a human story rather than a conventional sports drama.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the new web series about Vinod Kambli titled?
- The series is titled Kambli and will be streamed on ZEE5.
- Why did director Abhijeet Deshpande shift focus to the Vinod Kambli series?
- Deshpande focused on the Kambli project after his V. Shantaram biopic was postponed to 2027.
- Who is producing the Vinod Kambli series?
- The series is produced by Ravi Bhagchandka through 200NotOut Productions.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- Bollywood Hungama
- Original publication:
- Aug 14, 2026, 12:00 PM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 14, 2026, 12:00 PM
- Updated:
- Aug 14, 2026, 9:00 AM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
Related stories
LAKSHYA PROSIT ROY FILM
Lakshya and Prosit Roy Team Up for New Psychological Romance Film
AI summaryActor Lakshya is set to collaborate with director Prosit Roy on an upcoming feature film. The project, currently in its development phase, is described as a love story incorporating a psychological twist.
MUNNA BHAIYA RETURNS TO SCREEN
Divyenndu Returns as Munna Bhaiya in Mirzapur Film
AI summaryDivyenndu is set to reprise his iconic role as Munna Bhaiya in the theatrical adaptation of the hit series Mirzapur. The actor shared that stepping back into the character brought forth a strong wave of emotions, dedicating the comeback to his fan base.
SAIF ALI KHAN HAIWAAN
Priyadarshan Praises Saif Ali Khan's Performance in Haiwaan
AI summaryFilmmaker Priyadarshan has shared praise for actor Saif Ali Khan following their initial collaboration on the feature film Haiwaan. The veteran director highlighted Khan's thoughtful performance in taking on a lead role as a visually challenged character.
SELENA GOMEZ SUED OVER VENTURE
Selena Gomez Lawsuit: Actor Sued Over Mental Health Venture
AI summaryActor and singer Selena Gomez is facing a fraud lawsuit brought by investors in a mental health company. The legal claim alleges that she failed to maintain an active role in the venture despite promises made to financial backers.