On Sunday, the makers of Madhavan's upcoming biopic, G.D.N, unveiled the first look of the actor as the titular GD Naidu. The actor looks completely unrecognisable as the “Edison of India”. With a bald head and shorter in height, and also older in age, Madhavan has fully transformed as GD Naidu. This is the second time the actor is going through such a transformation, after his portrayal of scientist Nambi Narayanan in Rocketry: The Nambi Effect.
Krishnakumar Ramkumar, known for Oho Enthan Baby, directs and writes G.D.N. The film features an ensemble cast including Jayaram, Sathyaraj, Priyamani, Vinay Rai, Dushara Vijayan, and Thambi Ramaiah. Music is composed by 96 and Meiyazhagan fame Govind Vasantha.
Often hailed as the “Edison of India”, G. D. Naidu was a self-taught engineer and entrepreneur from Coimbatore who revolutionised Indian industry by adapting imported technologies into affordable, practical innovations. He developed India’s first indigenous electric motor and created a range of products, from fans and razors to petrol engines and ticket machines, that transformed local manufacturing.
In a previous conversation with CE, the film's producer Vijay Moolan explained why his story should be taken across to the audience through a film: "GD Naidu’s personality was incredibly inspiring—his resilience, his firm beliefs, and his unwavering stance on his decisions. He was staunchly against bribery, deeply patriotic, and a man of immense strength. He never wavered, never budged, and stood his ground no matter what. His sheer presence was remarkable. It’s not just about the life he led but the kind of person he was—truly unique."
The project is backed by Varghese Moolan Pictures, Tricolour Pictures, and Mediamax Productions, with Madhavan co-producing alongside Sarita Madhavan, Varghese Moolan, and Vijay Moolan.
