MS Dhoni to produce India's first animated spy series

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the globally celebrated former Indian cricketer and cross-format captain, is ready to walk out the pavilion again after his August 2020 retirement, though this time as an animated avatar version of himself.

Dhoni and his wife Sakshi Singh Dhoni's production company, Dhoni Entertainment (DE), of which she also serves as the managing director, entered into a joint venture with Indian brand licencing company Black White Orange (BWO) for the production of the animated secret agent show, titled Captain 7. Currently in pre-production, the makers are aiming at a 2022 launch for the show, according to Indian Express.

“The concept and story is great. It will bring to life my other passions along with cricket,” MS Dhoni said.

Sakshi Dhoni, on co-producing the show with BWO, said, "When BWO came to us with the concept of an animation fiction show based on Mahi, we were on board. A whole lot of adventure awaits you with Captain 7."

The makers disclosed that the first season of the show will be based on Dhoni himself, and that his attributes will be the engine of the story. The seven in Captain 7 is a reference to the number 7 jersey he donned for India in limited-over cricket.

An announcement was made on the official DE Instagram page, with a logo reveal for the show. They called it the beginning of India's first animated spy universe based on MS Dhoni's life, adding, "We can already feel the action!"

Bhavik Vora, founder and CEO of BWO, expressed delight at the opportunity to create Captain 7, saying he's glad to be playing his part in the extension of the superstar cricketer's legacy.

"Sports is close to our hearts and we are huge Dhoni fans – the perfect formula to create 'Captain 7'. This partnership with Dhoni Entertainment Pvt Ltd is truly a dream collaboration and we can’t wait for audiences to see the show," Vora said.

DE and BWO promise to create a premium show, with new seasons coming out annually. They plan on distributing their show to the world's biggest streaming services.

Previously, DE produced the docuseries titled Roar of the Lion, which was based on MS Dhoni's IPL cricket team Chennai Super Kings' 2018 season, after their return from a two-year spot fixing ban.