Can Rajkumar Hirani Do Justice to Cinema’s Father?

A biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema, has been announced, sparking both excitement and concern. His grandson Chandrasekhar Pusalkar confirmed that the script is ready, with Rajkumar Hirani showing interest and Aamir Khan reportedly linked to the project.

Phalke’s legacy is monumental. In 1913, he overcame financial, social, and technological barriers to make Raja Harishchandra, India’s first full-length feature film. Yet, his later life was marked by struggles and obscurity, making his story complex and layered.

The concern is whether the biopic will capture this depth. Indian commercial cinema often simplifies historical figures into glossy narratives that prioritise drama over authenticity. A film on Phalke risks falling into that trap if it avoids exploring his hardships and cultural context.

Supporters argue the project could serve as a powerful reminder of Phalke’s vision and inspire future filmmakers. But the responsibility lies with Hirani, known for mixing social themes with entertainment. If approached with honesty, the film could reintroduce Phalke meaningfully. If not, it risks reducing him to little more than cinematic decoration.