Narain Karthikeyan biopic: Mahesh Narayanan to direct movie on India’s first F1 driver

India’s first Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan’s life will be turned into a biopic, with the movie set to be directed by acclaimed Malayalam film director Mahesh Narayanan.

As reported by Variety, the movie is currently under development by Blue Marble Films and will be produced by Faraz Ahsan, Vivek Rangachari, and Pratik Maitra. The project’s screenplay will be penned by Shalini Usha Devi, who wrote the much-praised Tamil film ‘ Soorarai Pottru.’

“Narain Karthikeyan’s journey isn’t just about racing. It’s about belief — in yourself, your country, and a dream no one else can see. That’s what drew me to this story,” said Narayanan to Variety.

Karthikeyan, born in Coimbatore, had an early initiation to motorsport, thanks to his father Kakarla Karthikeyan Naidu, who was a rally racer.

He then proceeded the Indian racing circuit, before attending the Elf Winfield Racing School in France.

Karthikeyan soon worked his way through the Formula series, before landing an F1 seat with Jordan in 2005. At the USA Grand Prix, he finished fourth, claiming his first points in the competition.

After representing Williams as a test driver for a few seasons, Karthikeyan returned to F1’s centre-stage with HRT for two seasons, starting with 2011.

Michael Schumacher (Mercedes GP) flanked by Felipe Massa (Ferrari) and Narain Karthikeyan (HRT), during a press conference on the eve of the F1 Grand Prix of India on October 27, 2011.
| Photo Credit:
RAJEEV BHATT

Karthikeyan has also took part in some of the most iconic racing competitions in the world, such as 24 Hours of Le Mans, NASCAR, Super Formula and Auto GP.

In 2010, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.

“Motorsport gave me everything. This film gives that story to the world,” said Karthikeyan to Variety.