Varun Dhawan to play Dhyan Chand in upcoming biopic on the hockey legend

Varun Dhawan is in pole position to play Dhyan Chand in an upcoming biopic on the hockey legend. The film will be produced by Dharma Productions, who have also approached Fox Star Studios. 

The idea for the film on Dhyan Chand, one of India's greatest sports icons, emerged after his son, Ashok Kumar, sold the story and movie rights to Aarti and Pooja Shetty. The sisters approached several stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, to play the role. However, nothing came of the efforts. Last year, Ranbir Kapoor was touted as prime choice for the film.

Recent reports, however, suggesting that Kapoor had declined the offer put Dhawan in pole position. The sisters had previously approached Dharma Productions, who are also keen to cast Dhawan in the role.

The only roadblock seems to be that neither Varun Dhawan nor Karan Johar nor Fox Star want Rohit Jaisingh Ved to helm the production. The director was one of the key reasons for Pooja and Aarti Shetty to acquire the script in the first place. 

Except for this hindrance, the film has been greenlighted by Dharma Productions, and Dhawan seems to be excited to take on this challenge at this point in his career.