Director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande has revealed he will next direct a series on the life of former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli. The show, titled "Kambli," will stream on ZEE5 and is produced by Ravi Bhagchandka’s 200NotOut Productions — the same banner behind the acclaimed Sachin Tendulkar documentary "Sachin: A Billion Dreams."
Deshpande spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama about the project. The announcement comes after news that the Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tamannaah Bhatia starrer V. Shantaram biopic has been pushed to 2027, with filming now set to begin in April next year.
Why a Series Instead of a Film for Vinod Kambli’s Story
Deshpande explained that Kambli’s life story needs more space than a single film can offer. A series format allows the team to explore the cricketer’s journey in greater depth, covering the highs and lows of his career and personal life without rushing the narrative.
According to ZEE5’s official announcement, the series is described as "one name, one legacy, one story that’s waited too long to be told." The post confirms the collaboration between Vinod Kambli, Ravi Bhagchandka, Abhijeet Deshpande, and 200NotOut Productions.
What the Kambli Series Will Cover
The series will focus on Vinod Kambli’s life as a cricketer. Kambli was known for his aggressive batting style and his famous partnership with Sachin Tendulkar during their school days. His international career was brief but memorable, and his story includes both remarkable achievements and personal struggles.
The production team behind the series has experience telling cricket stories. Ravi Bhagchandka’s 200NotOut Productions previously produced "Sachin: A Billion Dreams," which was well received by audiences and critics alike. This background gives the team credibility in handling sports biographies.
"One name, one legacy, one story that’s waited too long to be told." — ZEE5
Our Take: A Smarter Way to Tell Kambli’s Story
In our view, choosing a series format for Vinod Kambli’s life is the right call. A film has limited time — usually around two hours — to cover a person’s entire life. That forces filmmakers to cut important moments and simplify complex stories.
A series gives the creators room to show Kambli’s full journey: his rise, his struggles, and his life after cricket. This matters because Kambli’s story is not just about cricket — it is about fame, pressure, and what happens when a promising career does not go as planned.
For viewers, this means a more complete and honest portrayal of the cricketer. For the makers, it means they can take their time and do justice to the subject. Given the team’s track record with "Sachin: A Billion Dreams," there is reason to be optimistic about this project.
The series is coming soon on ZEE5, though no release date has been announced yet.