Chennai: In a move that’s bound to bowl over both cricket buffs and cinema fans, Chennai Super Kings’ beloved star Suresh Raina is set to swap his yellow jersey for a film costume! The former CSK vice-captain, affectionately nicknamed Chinna Thala, will make his acting debut in a Tamil film currently titled Production No 1.

Announced at a glitzy Chennai event—attended by CSK all-rounder Shivam Dube and graced (virtually) by Raina himself from Amsterdam—the film is already generating blockbuster buzz.

Directed by Logan and produced by Dream Knight Pictures, the cricket-themed drama promises more than just cameo glitter. With top talents like Santhosh Narayanan scoring the music, Oscar-winner Resul Pookutty handling sound design, and acclaimed production designer T Muthuraj on board, the film aims for cinematic sixes, not just fan service.

Speaking about his silver-screen innings, Raina shared that the script felt “very close” to his heart—a cricket story set in Tamil Nadu, blending sport, local flavour, and the spirit that made CSK a household name. Known for his on-field flamboyance, Raina teased that audiences might even catch him playing guitar or dishing out dosa on screen!

As speculation swirls about a possible cameo by “Thala” MS Dhoni, Raina played it cool: “He should answer that one!” But if it happens, Chennai’s love for the Dhoni‑Raina bromance could light up theatres just as brightly as Chepauk Stadium on match day.

Filming is set to start in October 2025, with key scenes reportedly planned at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Until then, fans can only wait—and imagine their favourite middle-order hero smashing cinematic boundaries next.