Anushka Sharma announced her return to Bollywood with the film 'Chakda Xpress,' which is based on the life of Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami.
Not only did the actress make the announcement, but she also posted the first teaser with a motivational note that read, "It's a unique film since it's fundamentally a storey about enormous sacrifice. Chakda Xpress is based on former Indian captain Jhulan Goswami's life and will provide insight into the world of women's cricket. When Jhulan decided to become a cricketer and represent her country on the international arena, it was extremely difficult for women to even consider taking up the sport."
Jhulan's life is a living testament to how passion and tenacity win over adversity, and 'Chakda Xpress' is the most definitive glimpse inside the world of women's cricket at the time, according to Anushka.
"As a woman, hearing Jhulan's narrative made me proud, and it is an honour for me to try to communicate her storey to audiences and cricket fans. As a cricketing nation, we must recognise the contributions of our female players. Jhulan's narrative is a true underdog storey in Indian cricket history, and the film is a tribute to her spirit."
While fans were overjoyed to see the actress return to the big screen, many couldn't help but think, "As much as I love her, she doesn't match this character..."
Another said, sobbing emoticons included, "To kam se kam bna rahe hun biopic bna rahe hun (If you're making a biopic, at the very least match the skin tone.)"
Another said, "A Bengali actress must have been chosen for this part."
Another person inquired, "kyu nahi ki kyu nahi ki kyu nahi ki kyu nahi ki kyu nahi Is there a problem with your dark complexion? (Why didn't you all cast a dark-skinned actress?) What is it about dark-skinned people that bothers you?)"
Others criticised the actress' Bengali accent, while others noted a mismatch in her skin tone and height. "Jhulan Goswami is a sports star in India, she deserves better," cricket fans wrote on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Jhulan uploaded the teaser on her official account, along with a touching comment that said, "When you represent India, that's all you think about." Apne liye nahi, tum desh ke liye khel rahe hai. Team India's name will go down in history thanks to the efforts of 11 women. It makes no difference if they say ladkiyan cricket nahi khel sakti or not. It doesn't matter if a man's achievements are sometimes prioritised over your own. It makes no difference if the stadiums are deserted. When you're ready to bowl, pull up to the pitch.All you see is your opponent, who is holding a cricket bat, and the stumps you need to remove."
"This kind of unwavering concentration is conducive to achievement. That, and recognising that you're here because of everything that's gone right, not because of everything that's gone wrong. It's about being aware of one's surroundings and keeping one's feet firmly planted on the earth. You have earned the right to be here. And this is just the start "she continued.
Team India is more than the cacophony of 1.3 billion cheering and praying voices. When the stumps are ultimately knocked out, it's sometimes just one girl from Chakda playing cricket with her team, shaking, screaming, and rising together. In the strong note, she added, "Now is the moment to watch the women shine."
"It's our time, and we're here to play," she said as she announced the start of the film. You can see us today. You'll remember our names tomorrow. As we root for Team India and bring you this narrative, join us. Chakda Xpress is currently in production. "I'll see you out on the field."