Richa Chadha-starrer Shakeela to release in theatres on Christmas: See poster

The Shakeela biopic, starring Richa Chadha, will finally make its way to theatres this year. The film is due to be released on 25 December, taking advantage of the Christmas holiday.

A new poster released by the makers on Monday announcing the film’s Christmas release features Chadha front and centre wielding a gun. Behind her, a poster for a film titled Kaachi Jawani proclaims her as the box office queen.

The long-delayed film, written and directed by Indrajit Lankesh, is inspired by the life and career of B-grade South Indian actress Shakeela who became popular in the 1990s, acting in the Telugu and Malayalam industries.

Shakeela, which also features a cameo by the actress, also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Rajeev Pillai, Ester Noronha and Sheeva Rana. The biopic is being produced by Sammy Nanwani and Sahil Nanwani

Indrajit Lankesh told the online edition of Times of India that the film was his passion project.

“I have known [Shakeela] since 2003 when I worked with her,” he shared. “Her rags-to-riches story caught my attention. I did some extensive personal interviews with her and came to know so much about the person that she is behind that image of a star. And I knew that it is only Richa who can nail the part. This film will help youngsters who aspire to be part of the film industry understand that there is more to the overlying glitz and glamour,” he said.