Jai Bhim director TJ Gnanavel to helm Junglee Pictures' Hindi film Dosa King

Tamil director TJ Gnanavel, who directed the critically acclaimed Jai Bhim (2021), is set to helm a Hindi film titled Dosa King.

Bankrolled by Junglee Pictures, the film is based on the controversy surrounding P Rajagopal, an industrialist and founder of a chain of restaurants, who was sentenced to life for murder after being convicted of the murder of an employee, Prince Santhakumar, in 2001 and sexual harassment of his wife Jeevajothi.

P Rajagopal, who was considered a family man and was worshipped for his generosity, pursued Jeevajothi relentlessly. It soon resulted in dramatic events, including the murder of Prince Santhakumar in 2001 and the conviction of P Rajagopal by the court in a trial that waged on for eighteen years. In March 2019 the Supreme Court confirmed his life imprisonment for murdering Prince Santhakumar. P Rajagopal died of cardiac arrest on 18 July 2019 at the age of 72 without spending a single day behind bars. 

Talking about joining the team, TJ Gnanavel said, “I’ve observed the subject closely, following the case during my days as a journalist. I hope to bring out new dimensions through Jeevajothi’s legal battle on screen. Today, directing this project and working on its characters feels surreal. I’m excited to begin this journey with Junglee Pictures who are known for developing some of the most iconic films in contemporary Indian Cinema.”

Amrita Pandey, CEO of Junglee Pictures, said in his statement, “Dosa King is a riveting tale that will require a keen eye while detailing the characters and story. Gnanavel’s years as a journalist make him a balanced filmmaker with an obsession for details and authenticity. We’re beyond excited to partner with him to bring this captivating, unbelievable and inspiring saga to life.”

Meanwhile, Junglee Pictures has an exciting slate of films, starting with Doctor G, Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan?, Ulajh and Click Shankar, which are slated to be released in a few months.