The ambitious biopic on cinema pioneer V. Shantaram has taken a giant leap forward. The makers today unveiled the powerful first-look poster of actor Siddhant Chaturvedi embodying the legendary filmmaker. The image immediately captures the essence of the man regarded as one of the true Fathers of Indian Cinema, confirming Siddhant’s complete transformation for the period drama.
The film, which chronicles the revolutionary life and career of the icon, is presented by Rajkamal Entertainment, Camera Take Films, and Roaring Rivers Productions. It is produced by Rahul Kiran Shantaram, Subhash Kale, and Sarita Ashwin Varde. Directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande (known for his work on Wazir and Article 15), the project has also confirmed the additions of Tamannaah Bhatia and Fardeen Khan in pivotal, undisclosed roles.
The unveiled first-look poster showcases Siddhant Chaturvedi in a never-before-seen avatar. Siddhant, who sheds his modern, youthful image for this role, is seen sporting the classic attire and subtle styling of the 1940s and 50s—the peak of V. Shantaram’s career. The actor’s expression in the poster reflects the intensity and vision that defined the pioneering director’s work.
This transformation is crucial for the biopic’s authenticity. V. Shantaram was not just a filmmaker; he was a revolutionary artist who founded Prabhat Film Company and later Rajkamal Kalamandir, using his craft to champion social reform. Siddhant’s acceptance of this challenging role underscores his commitment to pushing his artistic boundaries following his successes in films like Gully Boy and Gehraiyaan.
Sources close to the production indicate that Siddhant Chaturvedi underwent extensive research and dialect coaching to accurately capture the Marathi-influenced Hindi accent and measured demeanour of the director, ensuring his portrayal is both respectful and realistic.
The biopic is being steered by director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande, a seasoned writer and director whose past work demonstrates a strong command over complex, socially relevant narratives. Deshpande faces the significant task of compressing five decades of pioneering work—including classics like Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje—into a compelling feature film.
The film’s production team boasts a familial connection to the legend. Rahul Kiran Shantaram, a descendant of the filmmaker, is one of the producers, ensuring that the biopic maintains historical accuracy and respects the family’s legacy. The involvement of producers Subhash Kale and Sarita Ashwin Varde guarantees the project is mounted on the scale necessary to depict the grandeur of V. Shantaram’s era.
The production banners—Rajkamal Entertainment (carrying the name of Shantaram’s studio), Camera Take Films, and Roaring Rivers Productions—are committed to delivering a film that is both a tribute and a powerful cinematic experience for modern audiences.
The casting of two more prominent names further signals the quality and scale of the V. Shantaram biopic.
- Tamannaah Bhatia joins the cast in a pivotal role. Given the secrecy surrounding her character, speculation is rife that she may portray one of the influential women or actresses who worked closely with Shantaram, such as Sandhya or Lalita Pawar, contributing significantly to his vision.
- Fardeen Khan has been roped in to play an important character, possibly an industry contemporary, a studio financier, or a political figure who crossed paths with the filmmaker. His recent return to acting has been met with enthusiasm, and his role in this period drama adds another layer of intrigue.
The assembly of this diverse, talented cast underscores the film’s ambition to deliver a respectful yet gripping cinematic biography that honours V. Shantaram’s revolutionary spirit, ensuring his story resonates with a new generation of film lovers.
