Sony Pictures, Mahesh Babu team up to make biopic on Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan

It's raining biopics of late. A film titled 'Major', based on the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, has been announced.

Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a National Security Guard (NSG) commando, lost his life while fighting terrorists at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai in 2008.

Prominent young actor Adivi Sesh will play the lead role. Sesh has also written the film, which will be directed by "Goodachari" director Shashikiran Tikka.

The film by Sony Pictures International Productions will be co-produced by Adivi Entertainment and Sharath Chandra and Anurag Reddy's A+S Movies.

The production and distribution studio in India and Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu's production house G Mahesh Babu Entertainment (GMB) have closed a deal to produce "Major" - a Hindi and Telugu bi-lingual film.

The deal marks Sony Pictures' entry into the Telugu film industry as it expands its regional footprint, as well as GMB's initiation to Hindi cinema. Interestingly, it entered Malayalam film industry with the recent Prithviraj-starrer '9'.

Laine Kline, Executive Vice President and Head, Sony Pictures International Productions, said: "'Major' is a powerful story that will not just inspire Indians but will transcend boundaries. We couldn't have asked for a more inspiring story for our first foray into the Telugu film industry."

Vivek Krishnani, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Entertainment in India, added: "We are excited to partner with Mahesh and (his wife) Namrata (Shirodkar) who are such creative forces and are equally thrilled to welcome them in the Hindi film industry."

Namrata Shirodkar, Managing Director at G Mahesh Babu Entertainment, said: "We are excited to be able to tell such a unique and original story about a national hero's life. The honesty of Sesh and Sashi's vision for 'Major's story echoed with us and in Sony Pictures we found the right partners to bring the incredible story on the big screen not only for a Pan-Indian audience, but an international one."

The shooting will start later this year and the movie is scheduled to release in 2020.