India’s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913), was more than a milestone. Of course, it also marked the beginning of Indian cinema!
And now, over a century later, the life of its visionary creator Dadasaheb Phalke is headed to the big screen. Yes, by now, everyone knows that Aamir Khan will portray the legendary filmmaker in a biopic helmed by Rajkumar Hirani.
While the project is making waves today, it definitely had a rocky start as was revealed by Dadasaheb Phalke’s grandson Chandrashekhar Srikrishna Pusalkar. He said that many producers initially turned down the script which was developed over four years by Hindukush Bharadwaj and his son Avishkar.
Not surprising enough, many had a similar opinion – the film does not have a commercial appeal.
However, it seems like Rajkumar Hirani saw things differently. In Chandrasekhar’s words, “Mr Hirani said it was our duty to make a film on the man who put Indian cinema on the world map, and because of him, we have rozi-roti. He also said that his intention with the film wasn’t to make profit, but for people all over the world to know about Dadasaheb Phalke.”
Set against the backdrop of India’s freedom movement, the film will showcase Phalke’s childhood in Trimbak and his cinematic awakening after watching a film on Christ. The film will also showcase how his wife Saraswatibai supported his mission and sold her jewellery to fund his dream.
The shoot for the biopic begins in January 2026. Meanwhile, S.S. Rajamouli and Jr. NTR had also announced a similar film on Dadasaheb Phalke earlier.
However, Chandrasekhar was unhappy with Rajamouli’s decision to make the biopic because they did not consult the family.
While stating that the filmmaker never approached him for it, Chandrasekhar said, “I have been hearing discussions about Rajamouli’s project, but he never contacted me for it. No one spoke to me on behalf of Rajamouli. If someone is making a film on Phalke ji, then at least the family should be talked to. The family cannot be ignored, it’s we who know the real stories.”
Meanwhile, Aamir Khan is embroiled in some other hype after the release of his film Sitaare Zameen Par. The film had a good run in the first week but it faded by the second week.
With the entry of other films like Maa (featuring Kajol), it’s highly unlikely that Sitaare Zameen Par will be able to hold its ground further.
