Mahesh Narayanan to Helm Biopic on India’s First F1 Driver Narain Karthikeyan

Image Source: Deccan Chronicle

Acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan is set to direct a Tamil-language biopic chronicling the life and career of Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula One driver. Titled “NK 370” (working title), the film will trace Karthikeyan’s journey from a motorsport-obsessed boy in Coimbatore to the high-octane world of international racing.

About the Film
Director: Mahesh Narayanan (Take Off, Malik, Ariyippu)

Production House: Blue Marble Films

Producers: Faraz Ahsan, Vivek Rangachari, Pratik Maitra

Screenwriter: Shalini Usha Devi (Soorarai Pottru)

Language: Tamil

Status: In development; cast yet to be announced

Narayanan said the story is not just about racing but about belief, resilience, and chasing a dream no one else could see.

Narain Karthikeyan’s Racing Legacy
First Indian to race in Formula One, debuting with Jordan F1 in 2005

Scored points at the USA Grand Prix, finishing fourth

Later joined Williams F1 as a test driver and raced for HRT

Competed in Le Mans, NASCAR, Super Formula, and Auto GP

Awarded the Padma Shri in 2010

The film will spotlight his early struggles, including racism at Winfield Racing School, a crash at Macau Grand Prix, and his redemption arc through sheer grit and passion.

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

“India has some of the most dangerous roads in the world—just surviving traffic here takes skill. NK went from that to racing at 365 km/h,” added producer Faraz Ahsan.

The biopic promises to be a high-speed underdog tale with emotional depth and global appeal.

Sources: Sportstar, The Hindu, Variety, News18