A major addition to the sports biopic genre is set for U.S. audiences this week as Arjun Chakravarthy: The Untold Story of a Kabaddi Legend releases in theaters across the country on August 28, 2025, a day ahead of its India premiere.
The Telugu-language film, produced by Gannet Celluloid, brings to screen the life of a kabaddi player who represented India during the 1980s but never received the recognition or support his contributions merited.
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Directed by Vikrant Rudra and starring Vijaya Rama Raju and Sija Rose in lead roles, the film explores the tenacity, sacrifice, and struggles of Arjun Chakravarthy. His story sheds light on the plight of countless athletes who dedicated themselves to their sport but remained overshadowed by the popularity of cricket and other mainstream disciplines.
"This film is more than cinema; it is a salute to kabaddi and to every athlete who fought for recognition against overwhelming odds. We are proud to bring Arjun's inspiring story to audiences at such a meaningful time," said Srinivasa Rao Gubbala, producer of the film.
The U.S. release is strategically timed to precede India’s National Sports Day on August 29, celebrated in honor of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, as well as the opening of the 2025 Pro Kabaddi League season. Producers say this timing is intended to elevate the recognition of kabaddi and its pioneers among international audiences.
The film has already generated global attention, having secured 46 awards at international film festivals, including honors in Canada and Los Angeles. The production team emphasizes that beyond entertainment, the biopic aims to spark conversations around the resilience and dignity of India’s unsung sporting heroes.
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