In an unexpected turn, Indian cinema is headed for a rare biopic face-off, with two major films on Dadasaheb Phalke—the Father of Indian Cinema—currently in development. One stars Aamir Khan, the other reportedly features Jr. NTR.
Aamir Khan has officially teamed up with Rajkumar Hirani for a slice-of-life biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke.
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The project has been in development for four years and is set to go on floors in October 2025, right after Aamir completes Sitaare Zameen Par.
Set during India’s freedom struggle, the film aims to capture Dadasaheb Phalke’s pioneering vision and lasting impact on Indian cinema.
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Backed by a Hollywood VFX studio and supported by Phalke’s grandson, this version is being designed as a lavish period drama with deep emotional resonance.
Meanwhile, Made In India, a separate biopic announced in 2023 by SS Rajamouli, is gathering steam. Jr. NTR has reportedly shown strong interest in the role after an emotionally compelling script narration.
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Produced by Varun Gupta and SS Karthikeya, this version is being positioned as a pan-India film, chronicling the early days and struggles of Indian cinema.
With Aamir-Hirani on one side and NTR-Rajamouli on the other, the industry is bracing for a high-stakes creative clash.
While both projects hold promise, business dynamics may not allow them to coexist easily. Rajkumar Hirani’s head start in October 2025 gives his film an edge in production timelines, but Rajamouli’s massive pan-India appeal can’t be overlooked.
Can the market absorb two Phalke biopics back-to-back? Or will one eventually get shelved? Either way, Dadasaheb Phalke’s legacy is set to receive not one, but two grand cinematic tributes.
