R. Madhavan's GDN Trailer Shows His Transformation as GD Naidu

The official trailer for the biographical drama GDN was unveiled at a launch event on the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore. Lead actor R. Madhavan appears in a dramatic transformation as Gopal Swamy Doraiswamy Naidu, the pioneering Indian inventor often called the “Edison of India.”

Directed and co‑written by Krishnakumar Ramakumar, the three‑minute trailer traces Naidu’s rise from a grassroots innovator to the founder of the UMS public‑transport network and early polytechnic institutions. It also highlights his clash with British officials, featuring the line “Who the h**l is this fakir?” and the tagline “Feared by the British. Forgotten by his countrymen.”

The film’s ensemble cast includes Sathyaraj, Jayaram, Priyamani, Vinay Rai, Dushara Vijayan and Aditi Balan. Music is by Govind Vasantha and cinematography by Aravind Kamalanathan. GDN is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 17 July 2026 in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi. Madhavan has said the project aims to give GD Naidu the recognition he deserves, while co‑star Priyamani hopes the film will be an “eye‑opener” for audiences unfamiliar with his legacy.