Filmmaker Aanand L Rai is said to be in advance talks with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan for the biopic on Indian chess icon Viswanathan Anand.
According to insider sources, the story, location, and budget for the movie are almost finalized, and the shoot should start soon. Although the plot is a bit secretive,
the movie seems promising to present an interesting storyline with rich cinematic content regarding the life of the five-time world chess champion.
Aamir Khan’s Association with Chess and Anand
Aamir Khan is often seen as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors. But, surprisingly, he has an old interest in chess. In 2021, Khan featured in a chess stream hosted by Samay Raina, a comedian who is also very keen on chess.
During the live stream, Khan expressed his appreciation for Viswanathan Anand and stated his desire to portray the chess maestro if that opportunity came along.
Khan is an avid chess player and has commitment to authenticity in his roles. He would make a perfect candidate for the role of Anand.
Known for diving deep into his characters, Khan could bring the nuances and authenticity of Anand’s cerebral genius and relentless dedication to the sport.
The Timing: Chess in the Spotlight
The project assumes more significance in the context of a chess renaissance in India. Indian child prodigy Gukesh winning the World Chess Championship has added to the sport’s status in the country.
The renaissance started during the COVID-19 lockdown when online chess picked up significantly. International hits like Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit and the performances of Indian players Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, Arjun Erigaisi, and Gukesh have made chess a household name.
The man who founded the boom for modern Indian chess is Viswanathan Anand. His success inspires a whole generation of talented youths now going ahead and rocking the global platform.
A biopic about the life of Anand can even more help Indian chess culture which is fast becoming strong in India.
Aanand L Rai Storytelling Vision
Known for giving us films such as Tanu Weds Manu, Raanjhanaa, and Zero, Aanand L Rai is known to deliver warmth in his narration.
His works on human emotion and relationships are quite possibly the backbone of telling the story of Anand. As his films tend to be based on the success of the human spirit, he suits the film all too well with the story about Anand, who rose to global fame with a highly intellectual sport.
In taking Anand’s life as a subject, Rai gets a chance to delve into the success and struggle of a game that is, in India, overrun by cricket and football. The biopic may include tenacity, wit, modesty, as well as the strategic and mental sides to the game.
Viswanathan Anand: A Legendary Journey
Vishy” Viswanathan Anand is one name that the world associates with Indian chess. Born in Tamil Nadu in 1969, Anand always had a liking for the game of chess. He ascended through the ranks, becoming India’s first Grandmaster in 1988.
Decades later, Anand went on to rule the international chess world, capturing the World Chess Championship five times and earning him the sobriquet “The Lightning Kid” because of his swift and accurate responses.
However, what Anand has done for Indian chess is immeasurable. He inspired generations of chess players to come, and he himself is part of the most celebrated rivalry in the history of chess-a match with chess legends Magnus Carlsen and Garry Kasparov.
Challenges in Portraying Chess on the Screen
Bringing chess into cinema has proved difficult because chess itself is not that easy but deep and quite cerebral. There lies much thought within strategy and mathematical calculation of minds, therefore depicting the intellect would require special kinds of creative narration and cinematic directing.
Films such as The Queen’s Gambit have proven that chess can be cinematic if it is infused with compelling character arcs and dramatic tension.
Aanand L Rai, the maestro of emotional narratives, could assure that the story of Anand would speak to the chess lovers just as much as to the mainstream filmgoers.
Why a Chess Biopic Resonates Today
The film, judging by the schedule, comes at a time when Indians are increasingly drawn to chess. Chess tournaments, live streams, and platforms attracted millions of viewers after the lockdown was over, making the game accessible like never before.
A new stream of fans emerged after the rise of Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh, while global superstars like Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Hikaru Nakamura brought the game to the mainstream.
A film on Viswanathan Anand would fuel the interest, and many more young Indians would take up the game of chess and discover its rich intellectual rewards. It may also make the game more culturally rich and elevates India into being a chess power around the globe.
The Wider Implications
A biopic on Viswanathan Anand would probably be a long-term influence on Indian cinema and the sports culture of the country. It might lead to more movies on unusual sports and intellectual endeavors.
Such a project would improve the perception of chess around the world as the sport with unparalleled mental agility and creativity.
While official confirmation is awaited, the reported collaboration between Aanand L Rai and Aamir Khan offers exciting possibilities.
By combining Rai’s storytelling finesse with Khan’s dedication to his craft, the film could become a landmark in Indian cinema, inspiring audiences and celebrating one of India’s greatest sporting legends.
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