In what is shaping up to be one of the most awaited cinematic collaborations in recent years, superstar Aamir Khan is all set to reunite with acclaimed filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani for a biographical film that pays tribute to none other than the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke. The duo, who previously delivered masterpieces like PK and 3 Idiots, are now teaming up for a project that promises to delve into the life and legacy of the man who laid the foundation of Indian filmmaking more than a century ago.
Touted as a grand tribute to the pioneering spirit of cinema in India, this biopic will chronicle the inspiring journey of Dhundiraj Govind Phalke — popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke — who created India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913. His relentless vision, resilience, and contribution to visual storytelling remain unparalleled, and this upcoming film aims to bring that incredible narrative to the silver screen with depth, drama, and cinematic brilliance.
A Passion Project in the Making
Sources close to the development reveal that both Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani have been deeply invested in this idea for quite some time. The biopic is being developed with meticulous research to ensure historical accuracy and emotional resonance. The scripting phase, reportedly underway for over a year, has involved consultations with historians, film scholars, and archival researchers to recreate the socio-cultural atmosphere of early 20th-century India.
The film will not only spotlight Phalke’s personal journey — his struggles, experiments, setbacks, and breakthroughs — but also capture the transformation of India’s artistic landscape, from theatrical performances to the evolution of celluloid. It aims to show how one man’s obsession with storytelling gave birth to what is now the world’s largest film-producing industry.
Aamir Khan to Portray Dadasaheb Phalke
According to insider reports, Aamir Khan will be taking on the role of Dadasaheb Phalke himself. Known for his rigorous commitment to his roles, Aamir is said to be preparing intensively to portray the legendary figure — including physical transformation, training in early filmmaking techniques, and immersing himself in vintage literature and archives related to India’s cinematic history.
Industry sources suggest that Aamir was drawn to the project not just for its cinematic value, but because of its cultural significance. Having always expressed a passion for socially relevant and intellectually challenging cinema, Aamir sees this film as an opportunity to educate and inspire audiences about a forgotten chapter of India’s creative history.
Rajkumar Hirani’s Vision: Storytelling Rooted in Emotion and Humor
Rajkumar Hirani, who is known for blending powerful storytelling with emotional depth and light-heartedness, is reportedly taking a grounded approach to the biopic. Instead of opting for a dry historical retelling, Hirani wants to bring out the emotional struggles and societal resistance Phalke faced while trying to convince people of the power of motion pictures in a time when the idea of film was barely understood in India.
The film will focus on Phalke not just as a filmmaker but as a visionary, a family man, and an artist consumed by an obsession to create something no Indian had ever attempted. His sacrifices, his belief in indigenous storytelling, and his unwavering faith in cinema as a tool for change are expected to form the core themes of the narrative.
A Grand Production With Authentic Detailing
To do justice to the period setting, the production team is planning an extensive recreation of early 1900s India — including locations in Maharashtra, where Phalke lived and worked. Costumes, props, and set designs will be crafted with painstaking attention to detail to ensure authenticity. Vintage cameras, hand-painted posters, and even techniques like hand-cranking reels are expected to be featured as part of the filmmaking process portrayed in the movie.
Cinematographers and VFX experts will work together to blend modern technology with classic film aesthetics, striking a balance between visual spectacle and historical realism.
A Project With National and Global Appeal
While the story is deeply rooted in Indian history, the makers are aiming for a film that will resonate with global audiences. Dadasaheb Phalke’s journey — of perseverance against odds, artistic rebellion, and innovation — has universal appeal. Discussions are already underway about screening the film at major international film festivals upon completion, and there is speculation that the film may release in multiple languages to reach a wider audience.
Celebrating Legacy in the Truest Sense
This announcement comes at a time when the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke is often invoked in awards and honors, but his actual life and contributions remain relatively unknown to the mainstream public. This film, backed by two of the most respected names in Indian cinema, promises to change that.
Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani’s collaboration has always resulted in films that blend mass appeal with meaningful storytelling. If early buzz is any indication, their upcoming venture on Dadasaheb Phalke might not just be another film — it could be a cinematic event that rekindles pride in India’s artistic roots while showcasing the incredible beginnings of an industry that now dominates the global entertainment space.
As pre-production continues and casting for supporting roles begins, fans and cinephiles alike await more updates. But one thing is certain — the father of Indian cinema is finally getting the cinematic homage he truly deserves.
