The trailer of GDN, R Madhavan’s biopic on visionary inventor GD Naidu, introduces the “Edison of India” through the perspectives of those who knew him. Set in Coimbatore and directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar, the film explores Naidu’s innovations, his fraught relationship with the British, and his largely forgotten legacy in India’s industrial history.
The trailer for GDN, R Madhavan's biopic of the legendary Indian inventor GD Naidu, was released recently, offering glimpses of the maverick industrialist's life and contributions to the country. The three-minute-long trailer details Naidu's life through the eyes of key observers in his orbit, including Jayaram, Sathyaraj, Priyamani, and Dushara Vijayan.
Speaking about the film at the recently held trailer launch, Madhavan said, “GD Naidu was more than just an innovator; he was a genius, an extraordinary achiever, and a patriot. Not just Tamil Nadu, I wanted the entire country to know about his achievements; that was the primary motivation behind doing this film," adding that not a lot of people knew about the industrialist.
The upcoming film, directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar, will co-star Vinay Rai, Thambi Ramaiah, Nandalal, TeeJay Arunasalam, Sheela, Karunakaran, Muralidaran, and Aditi Balan, among others.
GDN marks the reunion of the National Award-winning teams behind Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, bringing together Varghese Moolan Pictures and Tricolour Films once again for another biopic. Madhavan will once again be seen portraying a real life visionary.
Often hailed as the “Edison of India” and “The Wealth Creator of Coimbatore,” G.D. Naidu’s groundbreaking contributions to science, technology, and public service left a mark on India’s industrial history. His enduring legacy continues to be celebrated — most notably with Tamil Nadu’s longest bridge bearing his name.
The trailer, which details Naidu's tense relationship with the British underlines the industrialist's personality. "Feared by the British, forgotten by his Indian countrymen," a line reads.
Written and directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar, GDN is being shot entirely in Coimbatore — Naidu’s birthplace — to authentically capture the textures and atmosphere of his era. The film is produced by Varghese Moolan and Vijay Moolan of Varghese Moolan Pictures, alongside R. Madhavan and Sarita Madhavan of Tricolour Films. Aravind Kamalanathan serves as Cinematographer and Creative Producer, with Muralidaran as Executive Producer.