Actor Janhvi Kapoor revealed on Wednesday that her forthcoming sports drama, “Mr. & Mrs. Mahi,” pays homage to cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Dhoni’s statement during a press event became a pivotal inspiration for the film. Directed by Sharan Sharma, well-known for his work on “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl,” this highly anticipated film stars Kapoor alongside Rajkummar Rao. Together, they portray the titular couple—Mahendra, a former cricketer, and Mahima, a dedicated doctor.
The film’s narrative is layered with rich character arcs and compelling personal journeys. Mahendra, having identified cricketing prowess in his wife Mahima, urges her to pursue her aspirations, taking on the role of her coach. “He (Dhoni) gave an interview where he stated, ‘It’s not about the result but about the process. If you diligently follow the process with integrity and hard work, the results will eventually manifest. Even if you fail, it doesn’t matter.’ This concept, captured beautifully by Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s spirit, forms the crux of our film,” Janhvi Kapoor disclosed to the press during the unveiling of the film’s much-awaited track, “Dekha Tenu.”
Rajkummar Rao, who previously starred with Kapoor in the 2021 horror comedy “Roohi,” expressed profound admiration for Dhoni. “His true sportsman spirit is evident in everything he does. He embodies humility, kindness, and groundedness. Despite being such an enormous figure in the sport, his conduct is something everyone can learn from,” Rao shared, further noting that the team eagerly anticipates sharing the film with Dhoni and his wife Sakshi.
Kapoor’s journey into the world of cricket for “Mr. & Mrs. Mahi” was anything but easy, marked by intense training and significant injuries. “It demanded tremendous effort. I trained for nearly two years, starting while I was promoting ‘Mili’. Our director is a stickler for authenticity and honesty in his work, and he was determined that I truly become a cricketer for this film without relying on VFX or half measures,” Kapoor narrated.
The physical toll was substantial. “I endured many injuries during the preparation, including dislocating both shoulders. However, the credit goes to our director, Sharan Sharma, and my coaches, Abhishek Nayar and Vikrant Sir. They supported and guided me every step of the way,” she recounted.
Sharan Sharma, reflecting on his collaboration with Kapoor, lauded her unwavering dedication. “I pushed her extremely hard to reach the cricketing standards required for the film. There are no cringe-worthy shots that would keep me awake at night. She faced immense pressure, but her performance as a cricketer is commendable,” he said.
Sharma also expressed his excitement about working with Rajkummar Rao for the first time, describing him as a “lethal actor.” “Rao possesses the eagerness of a newcomer combined with the expertise of a seasoned performer – a rare and potent mix. I consider myself fortunate to have collaborated with Raj on my second film. It’s fair to say he stands among the greatest actors in India today,” Sharma added.
The song “Dekha Tenu,” derived from a stanza in the hit song “Shava Shava” from Karan Johar’s iconic “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” is composed by Jaani and sung by Mohammad Faiz, a winner of a prominent music reality show. This track also sets the tone for the movie, adding layers of emotional resonance and cultural nostalgia.
“Mr. & Mrs. Mahi” promises a blend of drama, sportsmanship, and emotional depth, a combination that aims to resonate with a broad audience, particularly fans of cricket and followers of Dhoni’s philosophy. The film is produced by Zee Studios and Dharma Productions and is set to release in theaters on May 31.
The excitement and anticipation surrounding “Mr. & Mrs. Mahi” are palpable, as fans and critics alike await to see how the film captures Dhoni’s celebrated ethos of process over result, translated through the lens of cinema. With the involvement of celebrated actors, a dedicated director, and a storyline that melds personal growth with sporting spirit, the film is poised to be a significant addition to Indian sports dramas.
The “Mr. & Mrs. Mahi” team hopes that their labor of love not only entertains but also inspires audiences to embrace the process of their own dreams and endeavors, just as Dhoni has inspired countless individuals both on and off the cricket field. As the release date nears, the film’s promotional efforts are set to intensify, raising expectations and building curiosity among potential viewers.
