Actor Kritika Kamra is set to headline a new Hindi drama film titled ‘Dumbbell’, playing the role of a female bodybuilder from a small town in Haryana.
The film, directed by debutant filmmaker Akanksha Sharma, marks a significant departure from Kritika’s previous work in web series like ‘Tandav’, ‘Bambai Meri Jaan’, and ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’.
What is ‘Dumbbell’ about?
‘Dumbbell’ tells the story of Meera (played by Kritika), a 28-year-old woman from a conservative Jat family in Rohtak who secretly pursues competitive bodybuilding.
The narrative follows her journey from lifting makeshift weights in her backyard to representing India at the Asian Bodybuilding Championships in South Korea.
The film explores themes of body image, gender expectations, family honour, and the price of ambition.
Kritika’s transformation
For the role, Kritika underwent an intense physical transformation over eight months. She trained under celebrity fitness coach Samir Jaura, gaining 12 kilograms of muscle and reducing body fat to 14%.
“I have never lifted a dumbbell in my life before this film. Now I can deadlift 100 kilos. The transformation was as much mental as physical,” Kritika said at the film’s announcement event.
She also learnt Haryanvi dialect and spent two weeks living with a family in Rohtak to understand the cultural nuances.
Why this film matters
Female bodybuilding remains a taboo in many parts of India. Women who build visible muscle are often subjected to ridicule, labelled “unfeminine,” or face family ostracism.
The director Akanksha Sharma, who previously made the documentary ‘Iron Ladies’ on female powerlifters, said the film is “not just about sports. It is about owning your body in a society that constantly tells you how to look.”
“The title ‘Dumbbell’ is ironic. People use it as an insult – ‘dumbbell’ meaning stupid. But for Meera, the dumbbell is her tool of liberation,” she added.
Supporting cast
The film features a strong supporting cast:
- Manoj Pahwa as Meera’s initially resistant but eventually supportive father
- Seema Pahwa as her quietly resilient mother
- Abhishek Banerjee as her cynical but loyal coach
- Zayn Marie Khan as her rival bodybuilder from Punjab
The film does not have a male romantic lead, focusing entirely on Meera’s personal and professional journey.
Production details
‘Dumbbell’ is produced by Sikhya Entertainment (known for ‘Masaan’, ‘The Lunchbox’, ‘Gully Boy’) in association with Kritika Kamra’s own production banner, Little Miss Entertainment.
The film has a budget of ₹12 crore and will be shot across Rohtak, Delhi, and Seoul over 45 days.
The music is composed by Sneha Khanwalkar, known for her earthy, folk-infused soundtracks in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ and ‘Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!’.
Kritika on choosing the project
Speaking about why she said yes to ‘Dumbbell’, Kritika said: “I read the script and couldn’t stop thinking about Meera for days. She is angry, vulnerable, funny, and fiercely independent. I have never played anyone like her.”
She added, “For years, I was offered girlfriend, wife, or cop roles. This is the first time someone saw me as a woman who could be physically powerful and emotionally complex. I jumped at it.”
Release plans
‘Dumbbell’ is scheduled for a theatrical release in March 2027, followed by a streaming window on Amazon Prime Video.
The producers are eyeing international film festivals, including Busan and Tallinn, before the domestic release.
Industry reaction
The film has generated significant buzz within the industry. Actor Taapsee Pannu, who played a wrestler in ‘Saand Ki Aankh’, tweeted: “So proud to see more women in sports stories. ‘Dumbbell’ sounds like my kind of film. All the best Kritika!”
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap called the announcement “refreshing” and said he is “tired of biopics. Give me more original sports stories about ordinary people.”
Kritika’s journey so far
Kritika Kamra started her career with television shows like ‘Kitani Mohabbat Hai’ and ‘Kuch Toh Log Kahenge’ before transitioning to web series and films. Her notable performances include ‘Tandav’, ‘Bambai Meri Jaan’, and the critically acclaimed ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’.
With ‘Dumbbell’, she is taking her most challenging role yet – literally and figuratively.
