R. Madhavan Unveils Trailer of “GDN” in Spectacular Style at Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore
Based on a true Story drama on legendary Indian inventor G.D. Naidu launches with a vintage-car convoy, high-performance media drives and a cinematic sunset premiere
COIMBATORE — The much-awaited trailer of “GDN”, the biographical drama based on the extraordinary life of Indian inventor and industrial pioneer Gopalswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, was unveiled today in a landmark launch event at the iconic Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore. Designed as a celebration of one of India’s greatest visionaries, the launch seamlessly blended heritage, innovation, automobiles and cinematic grandeur, making it one of the most unique promotional events witnessed in recent times. Starring R. Madhavan in the lead role, the film is written and directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar and produced by Varghese Moolan Pictures in association with Tricolour Films.
The evening opened with a remarkable red-carpet convoy in which the producers, director, cast and technicians arrived aboard an exquisite fleet of vintage automobiles drawn from the renowned Ge Dee Museum. The nostalgic procession, set against the backdrop of the racetrack, beautifully reflected G.D. Naidu’s pioneering contribution to Indian automobile engineering while recreating the spirit of an era that shaped India’s industrial history. The venue also featured an impressive display of modern luxury performance cars, symbolically bridging Naidu’s timeless innovations with today’s advancements in automotive technology.
In one of the most talked-about highlights of the evening, R. Madhavan personally hosted several leading media personalities for adrenaline-pumping laps around the Kari Motor Speedway in a high-performance supercar that touched speeds of nearly 190 kmph. Each approximately fifteen-minute drive left guests exhilarated and perfectly complemented the film’s tribute to G.D. Naidu’s lifelong passion for engineering and automobiles.
As the sun dipped beyond the horizon, the nearly three-minute trailer premiered before an enthusiastic audience to thunderous applause. Rich in period detailing and cinematic scale, the trailer offers a visually magnificent glimpse into the life of the man celebrated as the “Edison of India” — capturing his relentless pursuit of innovation, his indomitable spirit and the extraordinary events that shaped his legacy. R. Madhavan undergoes a striking transformation to portray G.D. Naidu with remarkable conviction, bringing alive the brilliance, determination and patriotism that defined the iconic inventor. The trailer also carries compelling glimpses of several historically significant personalities, including Thanthai Periyar and Adolf Hitler, instantly amplifying curiosity about the film’s expansive historical canvas.
R. Madhavan: “G.D. Naidu was much more than an inventor. He was a visionary, an extraordinary achiever, and above all a patriot. His contributions extended across many disciplines — but today we are celebrating his incredible passion for automobiles. His remarkable journey deserved to be known not just by Tamil Nadu but by the entire nation. That conviction became the driving force behind this film.”
Dushara Vijayan, who portrays G.D. Naidu’s wife: “I visited the Ge Dee Museum during my school days, never imagining that life would come full circle to let me play an important chapter in the legendary inventor’s life. Generations have admired G.D. Naidu’s achievements. “GDN” will introduce audiences to the compassionate human being behind the extraordinary innovations.”
Writer-director Krishnakumar Ramakumar: “The inspiration for this film came the day I picked up a book on G.D. Naidu at a book fair. His achievements, his struggles and the lesser-known chapters of his life stayed with me. A journey this remarkable deserved to be immortalised on the silver screen.”
Distinguished Guests
The event was graced by producer Mr Varghese Moolan, former ISRO scientist Dr Nambi Narayanan, Mr G.D. Rajkumar, Mr G.D. Gopal (son of the late G.D. Naidu), and several distinguished figures from the film fraternity and media.
“GDN” features an exceptional ensemble led by R. Madhavan, alongside Sathyaraj, Jayaram, Priyamani, Dushara Vijayan, Vinay Rai, Thambi Ramaiah, Nandalal, TeeJay Arunasalam, Sheela, Karunakaran, Muralidaran, Aditi Balan, Mohan Raman, Kaniha, Ramesh Tilak, Carl Andrew Harte, Richard Bhakti Klein and several other accomplished performers.
Written and directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar, the film is produced by Varghese Moolan, Vijay Moolan, Sarita Madhavan and R. Madhavan. Screenplay is jointly penned by Krishnakumar Ramakumar and R. Madhavan. Aravind Kamalanathan is the Director of Photography and Creative Producer. Music by Govind Vasantha; edited by Bijith Bala; Executive Producer Muralidaran; Production Manager Hakkim Sulaiman; Dialogues by Mugil; Production Design by Cyril Kuruvilla; Costume Design by Jishad Shamsudeen; Sound Design and Production Sound Mixing by Siddharth Sadashiv; Chief Makeup Artist Ranjith Ambady.
Following the National Award-winning success of Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, Varghese Moolan Pictures and Tricolour Films have reunited for this inspiring story rooted in India’s indigenous industrial legacy.
Gopalswamy Doraiswamy Naidu (1893–1974), popularly celebrated as the “Edison of India” and the “Wealth Creator of Coimbatore”, was a self-taught Indian inventor, industrialist and educational philanthropist whose lifelong work laid the foundations of one of southern India’s most important indigenous industrial ecosystems. His inventions ranged from India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured electric motor to the Rasant razor, the vote-recording machine and a two-seater petrol car developed in 1952. His work drew acknowledgement from figures ranging from Sir C.V. Raman and Sir M. Visvesvaraya to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1967.
With an emotionally stirring trailer, magnificent production values and an inspiring story that celebrates one of India’s greatest visionaries, “GDN” has significantly heightened anticipation among audiences. The film’s worldwide theatrical release date will be announced shortly.
