Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 26, 2013)

While Priyanka Chopra is busy morphing into Mary Kom for the Olympic medalist’s biopic, a new film on the sport will see a real sportswoman wearing boxing gloves onscreen.

Producer Ashvini Yardi is on the lookout for a boxer who can play the female lead in her upcoming film which will see R Madhavan play her coach and romantic interest.

“We need someone who knows the moves inside the ring. We are auditioning professional boxers from Sanjay Dutt and Raj Kundra’s mixed martial arts championship, SFL,” she told Mirror, admitting that Olympian Vijender Singh who features in her on-the-floors Fugly is helping her scout for the new talent.

 Ashvini was introduced to the story, about a boxing coach and his prodigy, by R Madhavan. The two moved with the same circle of friends when they both worked at a TV channel two decades ago.

A source says, “Some time ago Madhavan called and coaxed Ashvini to listen to a script. She had several projects lined up wasn’t sure if I wanted to take on another. But halfway into the narration, she was bowled over.”

 Madhavan has been training in LA for a year now to get the rugged look needed for the character. Comparisons to the Oscar winner Milion Dollar Baby are bound to arise but Ashvini says, “It’s inspired by a real life story.”

The sports drama with a love angle woven in is expected to roll around April-May 2014 and will be shot in North India. It will be directed by Mani Ratnam’s onetime assistant Sudha Kongara. Does Priyanka Chopra’s Mary Kom biopic have competition!