ZEE5 unveils first look of Break Point, series based on Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi

The streaming platform ZEE5 on Friday unveiled the first look of upcoming non-fiction Break Point, based on the lives of tennis champions Leander Paes-Mahesh Bhupathi. Helmed by filmmaker couple Nitesh Tiwari and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the seven-part series traces the on and off-court partnership between the two Indian tennis legends. The makers revealed the first poster of the ZEE5 original series, which shows Paes and Bhupathi sporting an intense look. Ashwiny and Nitesh, who are for the first time co-directing a project, said they are thrilled to bring on screen the untold story of Paes and Bhupathi, who were the first Indian pair to win at the Wimbledon in 1999. “It’s great to bring to screen a series like this on a home-grown video streaming platform like ZEE5. Working with icons like Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes has been surreal and to bring their untold story to screen is something that we will cherish forever,” they said in a joint statement.

They put Indian tennis on the map but walked away when they had the world at their feet. It’s time to finally hear the untold story of @Maheshbhupathi and @Leander#Breakpoint #ComingSoon only on #ZEE5 pic.twitter.com/15PcAEvUB5

— ZEE5Official (@ZEE5India) August 27, 2021

Nicknamed the “Indian Express”, Paes and Bhupathi played together from 1994 to 2006 and reunited for their second stint from 2008 to 2011. The two also had a public fallout but they have put that behind them. Paes, 48, said he enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane while shooting for Break Point. “Mahesh and my on-court partnership was widely covered, and our off-court chemistry was largely speculated. This is the first time that our fans will get to see and hear it all, first-hand. “Mahesh and I worked really hard to put India on the top of world tennis and we are glad that we are getting a chance to present our story to the world, like never before,” Paes said. Bhupathi, 47, is confident that the series will surely be a treat for the audience and their fans. “It is no secret that I am reserved when it comes to communicating, so this is a big step for me to relive the journey and put it all out there in the most candid and honest manner. “But, at the same time, I am happy that our fans will get to see our journey which was a mix of sweat, perseverance, brotherhood and at times blood and tears as well,” he added. Break Point will premiere on ZEE5 soon.