The Next F1 Movie Hits Bollywood: The Tale of the “Cucumber” Driver – After the high-octane success of Brad Pitt’s Hollywood blockbuster F1, which revved up the global box office with its star power and real-world race footage, Formula One’s growing filmography is now expanding to a new continent entirely. The next motorsport-inspired cinematic project will not be coming out of California, but Mumbai.

Yes, Bollywood is strapping itself into the Formula 1 cockpit, and the focus this time will be on a lesser-known but historic figure in the sport’s history: Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula 1 driver. The film is currently in pre-production under the working title NK 370, and if the early rumblings are anything to go by, we might be in for a rags-to-riches story turbocharged with adrenaline, nationalism, romance and, rather curiously, vegetables.

 

From Bangalore to the Back of the Grid

Narain Karthikeyan made his F1 debut in 2005 with the Jordan team, aged 28. Though he wasn’t exactly challenging for wins, he became a pioneer, representing a country of over a billion in a sport that, until then, had barely acknowledged its existence. That alone was headline-worthy, but for motorsport purists, his time on track didn’t provide much to shout about.

Still, for one chaotic day in Indianapolis, fate nearly handed Karthikeyan a Formula 1 podium. The 2005 United States Grand Prix, remembered for being an embarrassing farce where only six Bridgestone-shod cars took the start, saw his teammate Tiago Monteiro finish third behind two Ferraris. Karthikeyan, meanwhile, brought his car home in fourth—his only points finish in F1. It wasn’t exactly Senna at Donington, but in a career mostly spent toward the rear of the grid, it was a moment to remember.

 

The Cucumber Conundrum

But if there’s one moment that truly immortalised Karthikeyan among F1 fans—especially in Germany—it came much later. During the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix, reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel, frustrated after a mid-race tangle with the Indian driver, labelled him a “cucumber” on live television.

Karthikeyan, understandably, didn’t take kindly to the botanical insult and fired back, calling Vettel “a crybaby.” It was petty, childish, and utterly unforgettable—exactly the sort of subplot a scriptwriter dreams of. Whether this green-tinged jab makes it into the final film remains a mystery for now, but one suspects Bollywood won’t pass up the opportunity for a little spicy drama.

 

From Obscurity to the Big Screen

But NK 370 promises to be more than just a cinematic reenactment of on-track incidents. Industry magazine Variety reports that the film will chronicle Karthikeyan’s journey from relative obscurity to motorsport’s grandest stage. Born into modest means in Coimbatore, with a rally-driving father but little financial backing, Narain clawed his way up through the karting ranks. He made his name in the British Formula Ford and F3 circuits, eventually earning a place at the prestigious Winfield Racing School in France.

It was there, surrounded by Europe’s most promising talents, that Karthikeyan reportedly faced racism and social exclusion. But rather than falter, he doubled down. His grit and performance gradually opened doors across formula series, though not without setbacks. One particularly severe accident almost ended his F1 dream entirely. Yet, true to form, he returned stronger—and against the odds, made it to the grid.

 

Slumdog with Slicks?

The filmmakers clearly sense a deeper cultural resonance in the story. Echoes of Slumdog Millionaire are being intentionally invoked, not only for the underdog narrative but also for the romantic subplot involving how Karthikeyan met his wife. The blend of sporting grit, national pride and Bollywood’s trademark sentimental flair suggests this will not be a cold, analytical documentary.

No, NK 370 is being pitched as a full-blown biopic epic. There will be heroism, there will be heartbreak, and if early speculation is to be believed, there may even be a few musical cues amid the roar of V10s.

 

A Veteran Director Takes the Wheel

Helming the project is veteran Indian director Mahesh Narayanan, known for his deft handling of drama and human emotion. His inclusion suggests this film won’t simply be a vanity puff piece or a CGI-laden, Pitt-style popcorn flick. Narayanan’s involvement hints at a grounded, character-driven narrative exploring identity, perseverance, and the price of chasing impossible dreams.

Casting is currently underway, with no names confirmed yet for the lead role or supporting cast. As for the film’s release date or production schedule, both remain shrouded in mystery—though sources suggest pre-production is well underway and locations across India and Europe are being scouted for shooting.

 

No Stranger to Comebacks

In recent years, Karthikeyan has shifted his focus away from professional motorsport and now operates a business dealing in restored motorcycles. While he might not have left a significant statistical footprint on the sport, his legacy has grown as time passed. In a post-Drive to Survive world, the once-forgotten faces of Formula 1 are suddenly back in the limelight, and Narain’s story now seems to fit the zeitgeist like a hand in a racing glove.

He might not have had the success of a Schumacher or a Senna, but what Karthikeyan represents—a true outsider forcing his way into an elite and largely Western institution—is arguably just as compelling. And now, he gets the ultimate 21st-century reward for cultural relevance: a feature film.

 

What Say You, the Jury?

So, dear jury, will NK 370 be the next great motorsport drama, or just a high-revving vanity project destined to spin out in the first corner? Is Narain Karthikeyan’s story the underdog tale we didn’t know we needed, or are we just scraping the bottom of the F1 barrel looking for movie rights?

Let us know in the comments below. Are you intrigued by this Bollywood-meets-paddock project, or do you think this one belongs on the back row of the grid?

This article is published by the Judge. Join the discussion over on our Facebook page for more motorsport madness and exclusive insights: facebook.com/TheJudge13