The much-anticipated biopic on legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram has revealed its leading lady. The makers have unveiled the first look of actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the accomplished yesteryear star Jayashree, who was not only a celebrated actress but also V. Shantaram’s second wife and muse. The transformation instantly captivated audiences, who praised Tamannaah for perfectly embodying the elegance and charm of Indian cinema’s golden era.
The striking poster follows the recent announcement that Siddhant Chaturvedi is set to play the pioneering filmmaker, social reformer, and artistic revolutionary V. Shantaram. This dual casting now firmly positions the biopic as a powerful narrative that will explore the creative and personal partnership that shaped some of Indian cinema’s most unforgettable classics.
The first-look poster, shared by the production house, featured Tamannaah Bhatia draped in a gorgeous pink Nauvari saree, effortlessly recreating the signature Maharashtrian elegance of the 1940s and 50s. The vintage allure and detailed styling instantly transported viewers back in time, highlighting the grandeur of the era.
The caption accompanying the stunning image emphasized Jayashree’s dual role in the cinema titan’s life:
“Jayashree – The star of an era, The strength behind a legacy, A chapter returning to history.”
Jayashree was a highly acclaimed actor, starring in unforgettable movies like Dr Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, Shakuntala, Chandra Rao More, and Dahej. Her association with V. Shantaram was not just professional; she married the filmmaker in 1941, and their relationship and collaboration became a significant chapter in his life story, which the film intends to explore with depth and sensitivity.
Tamannaah Bhatia expressed both immense honour and a deep sense of responsibility in taking on a role rooted in such a pivotal period of Indian cinema history. She acknowledged the pressure of portraying a figure whose grace remains surreal decades later.
In a statement released by the makers, Tamannaah said:
“It’s a great responsibility to portray a character rooted in one of the most influential eras of our cinema. And I feel immensely honoured to bring to life Jayashree, as she has been part of such legendary projects, and the amount of grace she had was surreal.”
She further emphasized the profound impact of working on the biopic, which is written and directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande:
“Shantaram built a legacy that continues to shape generations, and decoding his universe has allowed me to witness the brilliance of the man behind the legend. Bringing a piece of that legacy to the screen is truly a special feeling, and I am thankful for the makers of V. Shantaram to see me as Jayashree.”
The excitement surrounding her casting highlights a transformative phase in Tamannaah’s career, giving her an opportunity to demonstrate subtlety and skill in a challenging period performance.
The film, simply titled V. Shantaram, is presented by Rajkamal Entertainment, Camera Take Films, and Roaring Rivers Production, and produced by Rahul Kiran Shantaram, Subhash Kale, and Sarita Ashwin Varde. It aims to be a comprehensive historical biographical drama that honours the life and cinematic uprising sparked by the visionary filmmaker.
The narrative will trace V. Shantaram’s remarkable journey from the silent film era to his emergence as one of the most influential auteurs in Indian cinematic history, whose films often blended high art with social reform, tackling complex issues like dowry, women’s rights, and communal harmony.
With Siddhant Chaturvedi’s impressive first look as the director already generating buzz, and Tamannaah Bhatia now stepping in to portray the formidable actress who stood by him, the V. Shantaram biopic promises to be a powerful and nostalgic cinematic experience, reviving the memory of a golden age for a new generation.
