Fri, 22 May 2026 · LIVE
Updated May 21, 2026 · 19:06
Bollywood News Updated May 21, 2026

R Madhavan Transforms into G D Naidu in New Film Releasing July 17

R Madhavan will portray industrialist Gopalswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, known as the "Edison of India," in an upcoming biopic. The film's poster features Madhavan with the tagline "Feared by the British... Forgotten by his countrymen." Directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar, the multilingual project will release in five languages on July 17. This marks Madhavan's second major physical transformation following his role in 'Dhurandhar'.

New poster of R Madhavan as G D Naidu unveiled, film to be out on July 17

Mumbai, May 21

After starring in the blockbuster 'Dhurandhar' franchise, actor R Madhavan is now all set to be seen as industrialist Gopalswamy Doraiswamy Naidu in a new film.

Based on the life of Gopalswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, widely celebrated as the "Edison of India," the film aims to bring the "extraordinary journey and legacy of one of India's greatest innovators to the big screen."

Check out Madhavan's look as G.D. Naidu.

Carrying the powerful line, "Feared by the British... Forgotten by his countrymen," the visual hints at the emotional and historical depth the film is set to explore.

Directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar and produced by Varghese Moolan Pictures in association with Tricolour Films, the project is mounted as a multilingual release across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi on July 17.

This marks Madhavan's second consecutive intense transformation after' Dhurandhar'. In the Ranveer Singh-starrer, he plays a character inspired by India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Sarah B

As someone who only knows Indian cinema through Bollywood, this is fascinating. "Feared by the British... Forgotten by his countrymen" – that line gives me chills. Hope this gets a good international release too!

Ananya R

Madhavan has been on a roll with his role choices – from the intense cop in 'Dhurandhar' to this. The poster gives a very 'Mukkabaaz' vibe. But honestly, why does every biopic have to be in multiple languages? Focus on quality and one strong version. Still excited though!

Karthik V

The tagline "Feared by the British... Forgotten by his countrymen" hits hard. It's true—we celebrate foreign inventors while our own pioneers like Naidu, Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya, and others fade into obscurity. Hope this film educates the younger generation about our industrial heritage. Madhavan is perfect for this role. 🔥

Priya S

Another biopic? Bollywood/Tollywood is obsessed with them lately. But if done right, this could be a gem. GD Naidu's story is ripe for a cinematic treatment—the man invented the coin-operated water cooler and a multi-purpose farming tool! Hope they don't overdramatize it for commercial reasons. Madhavan's transformation reminds me of his 'Rocketry' days.

James A

The "Edison of India" – I need to read more about this man. A multilingual release in 5 languages is ambitious. Hope it does well and introduces GD Naidu's legacy to a wider audience. Madhavan

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Reader Voices

Leave a comment

Be kind. Add to the conversation. 0/50
Thank you — your comment has been submitted.
JS blocked