The eagerly awaited biopic on legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram has added major star power. Actress Tamannaah Bhatia has officially joined the cast alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi, who is set to portray the iconic director in the upcoming period drama. The project has also secured actor Fardeen Khan for a pivotal role, rounding out a fascinating ensemble that blends established talent with contemporary star appeal.
The untitled biopic, which aims to bring the illustrious life and career of one of Indian cinema’s pioneers to the big screen, confirms its high-production value through this significant casting announcement. The film will delve into V. Shantaram’s revolutionary contributions, which spanned over five decades, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in cinema history.
The decision to cast Siddhant Chaturvedi as the legendary V. Shantaram has garnered attention for the actor’s willingness to take on a challenging, transformative role. Chaturvedi, known for his versatility in films like Gully Boy and Gehraiyaan, faces the task of embodying the filmmaker who was ahead of his time, often tackling bold social and political themes through his cinematic vision.
The actor is reportedly undergoing extensive workshops and period preparation to accurately capture the mannerisms and aesthetic of the renowned filmmaker who directed classics like Do Aankhen Barah Haath and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje.
Joining him is Tamannaah Bhatia, who is enjoying immense success across both Bollywood and South Indian cinema. Her role in the biopic remains under wraps, but industry insiders suggest she will portray one of the key leading actresses or a prominent creative partner in Shantaram’s life, playing a crucial part in the narrative of his cinematic and personal journey. Tamannaah’s ability to navigate both period drama and strong, independent characters makes her an ideal choice for the film.
The inclusion of Fardeen Khan further elevates the project’s profile. After his celebrated return to the screen in the OTT space, Khan has been roped in for a significant, pivotal role. While his character details are undisclosed, the actor is expected to portray a major contemporary filmmaker or a key political figure who intersected with V. Shantaram during his influential period in the 1940s and 50s.
Khan’s casting adds another layer of intrigue to the biopic, demonstrating the makers’ intent to people the film with familiar and versatile faces who can handle the gravitas of a historical narrative. His presence ensures that the film caters to a wider audience base eager to see his return to mainstream cinema.
V. Shantaram (1901–1990) was not just a director; he was a producer, writer, and actor who founded the influential Prabhat Film Company and later his own production banner, Rajkamal Kalamandir. His work was revolutionary, often using the cinematic medium to address social injustice, casteism, and women’s empowerment decades before such topics became common in Indian cinema.
The biopic will trace his journey from his early silent films to his massive, acclaimed projects of the 1950s. The challenge for the filmmakers lies in capturing the scale of his achievements—from pioneering techniques in filmmaking to challenging the censor board with his bold narratives. The film promises a deep dive into the golden era of Indian cinema, showcasing how V. Shantaram shaped the moral and aesthetic compass of the industry.
The producers are working closely with the Shantaram family to ensure historical accuracy, giving the film the necessary authenticity required for a project of this scale. With Siddhant Chaturvedi, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Fardeen Khan now leading the charge, the biopic is one of the most anticipated prestige projects in the coming year, honouring a giant of Indian filmmaking.
