On May 15, 2025, Indian film icon Aamir Khan and acclaimed director Rajkumar Hirani jointly announced their long-awaited reunion to collaborate on a biopic that will honor Dadasaheb Phalke, the founder of Indian cinema. This new film project aims to explore Phalke’s revolutionary contributions to the industry, with the story set against the vivid and challenging backdrop of India’s independence movement. The announcement generated immediate excitement across the country, emphasizing how two of Bollywood’s most respected figures intend to illuminate the extraordinary journey of the artist who established the largest indigenous film industry in the world.
The official press release revealed that Rajkumar Hirani will be scripting and directing the film in close partnership with screenwriter Abhijat Joshi, and writers Hindukush and Avishkar Bharadwaj. Notably, the Bharadwaj duo has devoted the past four years to the script, meticulously gathering anecdotes and verifying every detail of Dadasaheb Phalke’s life. According to the project spokesperson,
Aamir Khan, ranked among India’s most methodical actors, brings profound gravitas and credibility to this cinematic undertaking. When asked about their vision for the film, Rajkumar Hirani stated,
The team’s rigorous approach is further exemplified by their involvement of Dadasaheb Phalke’s own grandson, who has supported the project throughout its development phase. As the statement discloses, Phalke’s grandson has
ensuring the narrative remains anchored in authentic, first-hand accounts.
To recreate the era in which Dadasaheb Phalke lived and worked, the production team has begun collaborating with specialized VFX studios based in Los Angeles. These studios are developing advanced AI-driven designs to accurately depict the landscape of early 20th-century India, highlighting the unique challenges and atmosphere that shaped Phalke’s pioneering vision. The combination of modern cinematic technology and detailed historical research is intended to bring an unparalleled degree of realism and depth to the forthcoming film.
Aamir Khan has long been recognized for his nuanced performances that delve below the surface of historical and cultural narratives, making him an ideal choice to embody the spirit of a figure as complex and significant as Dadasaheb Phalke. The anticipated partnership with Rajkumar Hirani, a director renowned for blending entertainment with poignant social commentary, raises expectations that the biopic will resonate not only with Indian audiences but international viewers as well.
Dadasaheb Phalke’s own journey is a testament to creative perseverance in the face of adversity. Born Dhundiraj Govind Phalke in 1870, he broke new ground by directing Raja Harishchandra, India’s first full-length feature film in 1913. Moreover, Phalke was a trailblazer in promoting gender equality on screen, as he was the first filmmaker in India to feature female performers, breaking through rigid social barriers of the time. His achievements include acclaimed titles such as Lanka Dahan, Shri Krishna Janma, and Kaliya Mardan, which together helped shape the foundational narrative of Indian cinema.
In a remarkable example of intergenerational tribute, the government of India established the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969, decades after his pioneering works, to recognize lifetime achievement and the highest standards of creative excellence in Indian filmmaking. This annual honor at the National Film Awards stands as the industry’s most prestigious accolade and continues to embody the values originated by Phalke himself—honesty, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to the power of storytelling.
The upcoming biopic will focus on many defining moments of Dadasaheb Phalke’s life: from his early artistic inclinations and struggles with limited resources to his relentless pursuit of cinematic authenticity, as well as the remarkable support he received from his family. The release indicates that much effort has gone into sourcing and verifying true accounts. As Rajkumar Hirani commented,
The makers’ comprehensive approach includes ongoing consultations with historians, archival researchers, and members of Phalke’s family. Major visual scenes are being conceived with historical accuracy in mind, using AI-based reconstructions and physical models to organically transport audiences into an era of tumult and hope. The resulting effect, the filmmakers believe, will deliver both educational and emotional impact, encouraging viewers to rethink the roots of Indian cinema and its enduring social influence.
The significance of this project is amplified by developments in the South Indian film industry, where an additional biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke is in the works. According to confirmed reports, renowned filmmaker SS Rajamouli will produce a separate feature starring Jr. NTR. This parallel production signals a renewed, nationwide recognition of Dadasaheb Phalke’s foundational legacy, and further spotlights how widespread his influence remains among artists, directors, and viewers from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
While Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani’s collaboration lies at the core of public anticipation, the broader contest to present Dadasaheb Phalke’s story symbolizes a new wave of cinematic reflection and self-examination in India. Both projects, drawing from extensive research and employing evolving film technology, indicate a shared national desire to revisit origin stories of creativity and resilience.
Many in the industry, as well as high school and college students aspiring to work in film and media, are now closely following news of the Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani biopic. For educators teaching Indian history or world cinema, this forthcoming film offers a rare opportunity to illustrate the power of innovation in art and culture, as well as the complexities of colonial resistance and liberation in shaping new forms of mass communication.
Speaking on the continued appeal of such biopics, noted critic and historian Sunil Sharma observed,
He further adds,
This is not the first time Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani have worked together on projects with lasting cultural impact. Their previous collaborations, such as 3 Idiots and PK, have set high benchmarks at the national box office while addressing issues like education reform and religious tolerance. Their reuniting for a subject as significant as Dadasaheb Phalke signals both creative maturity and a deliberate effort to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue about cultural heritage and identity in an increasingly interconnected world.
The film’s development process underscores the complexity involved in historical storytelling, particularly when the central figure’s life intersects with national movements such as India’s struggle for independence. Rajkumar Hirani and his writers have carefully balanced creative imagination with scholarly authenticity. Early drafts of the screenplay, reportedly shaped by interviews with film historians and cultural anthropologists, indicate an intent to blend dramatization with archival accuracy, making the film suitable for classroom viewing and community screenings alike.
Aamir Khan’s preparation for the role has reportedly involved extensive background reading, direct engagement with descendants of Dadasaheb Phalke, and simulation workshops to authentically portray the aesthetic and emotional world of the early Indian film industry. According to people close to the production, Aamir Khan is committed to exploring not just the external challenges faced by Dadasaheb Phalke, but also the inner turmoil and fleeting moments of jubilation that marked his artistic career.
The film will also delve into Dadasaheb Phalke’s technical ingenuity. At a time when filmmaking resources in India were nearly nonexistent, Phalke designed his own movie camera, improvised laboratory equipment, and experimented with lighting and set-building methods that remain foundational in modern Indian studios. These events were not just technical milestones; they were instances of creative problem-solving under extreme constraints—a theme the filmmakers believe will resonate with young viewers and future innovators.
The creative team is giving particular attention to the question of representation: how to portray both the obvious triumphs and the overlooked setbacks that defined Dadasaheb Phalke’s journey. The inclusion of scenes that explore failed experiments, financial crises, and public skepticism is being planned with equal care as those that celebrate cinematic breakthroughs and moments of public acclaim. As Abhijat Joshi, one of the key writers, remarked,
Aamir Khan has already begun initial rehearsals for key sequences, working closely with historical consultants and technical coaches. This methodical approach aims to ensure that gestures, language, and physical settings accurately evoke the complexities of Phalke’s era. To further support authenticity, period costumes and props are being sourced from museum archives and private collections, adding historical weight to the film’s visual storytelling.
The VFX collaboration with Los Angeles-based studios marks a significant technological leap. Using AI, the team is recreating lost streetscapes, long-forgotten film laboratories, and the bustling life around early Indian movie theaters. These digital reconstructions are intended to create a vibrant, immersive environment, allowing the audience to experience the constraints and the sense of possibility that shaped Dadasaheb Phalke’s choices. Visual effects producers note that every digital asset is cross-verified with historic photographs and documents for accuracy.
Public response to the announcement has ranged from excitement to deep curiosity. Moviegoers of all ages, especially high school and university students, see in Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani’s biopic a chance to witness on screen the moments that gave rise to one of the world’s most prolific entertainment industries. For teachers and cultural commentators, the film represents a crucial opportunity to facilitate dialogue about innovation, independence, and national identity, topics that continue to be relevant in classrooms and civic forums.
Industry observers note that schools and college campuses are already planning events, lectures, and student film festivals around the theme of Dadasaheb Phalke, leveraging the anticipation generated by the upcoming film. Educational organizations have expressed hope that the renewed visibility of Phalke’s life will spark more research, writing, and debate about the social contexts of Indian cinema’s birth and evolution. Aamir Khan, in particular, is seen as a conduit between tradition and contemporary aspirations, using his popularity to incite reflection and enthusiasm around historical milestones.
Prominent members of Phalke’s extended family have expressed public gratitude to Aamir Khan and the production team for their respectful approach. As conveyed in the press release, their willingness to share family stories and documents marks a rare convergence of personal legacy and public history, a dynamic the film aims to honor through sensitive and balanced storytelling.
Already, the global reach of Aamir Khan as an actor is playing a role in generating international attention for the project. Film enthusiasts from Europe, North America, and other parts of Asia are closely tracking developments, hoping that the film’s global release will bring greater recognition to the roots of Indian cinema and the universal challenges of creativity, risk, and perseverance.
While anticipation is running high, the production team is cautious in its pursuit of authenticity and narrative complexity. Rajkumar Hirani has emphasized throughout the early stages that the film is not intended merely as entertainment or a documentary, but as a layered exploration of personal and national transformation.
Hirani detailed in a recent interview.
For many, the very act of Aamir Khan embodying Dadasaheb Phalke is itself symbolic—a bridge between the traditions of classical Indian cinema and the dynamic, technologically-advanced industry of today. The challenges Aamir Khan will face in accurately representing Phalke’s temperament, struggles, and vision are not lost on the filmmakers, who acknowledge the risks of misrepresentation while also welcoming the chance to correct enduring misconceptions about Indian film history.
As work on the script continues, the creators remain deeply invested in research. Key moments being staged include Phalke’s experiments with early film stock, his negotiations for funding, and the recruitment of actors at a time when public opinion was often antagonistic to the performing arts. Archival interviews, family recollections, and press clippings from the era are being woven seamlessly into the dramatization, creating a multi-layered portrait of social, cultural, and personal challenges and breakthroughs.
Aamir Khan’s commitment to the project extends into outreach efforts as well, as he has begun visiting film schools and cultural centers to discuss the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke and its meaning for young artists today. These interactions are seen by educators as valuable extensions of the biopic project, reinforcing the relevance of Phalke’s values of experimentation, perseverance, and ethical responsibility.
The film’s potential impact extends well beyond its initial release. Many in the industry expect that, given the combined reputations of Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani, the biopic will set new benchmarks for historical storytelling in Indian cinema. If successful, the project could encourage more nuanced, multidimensional treatments of national icons and spark a surge of interest in untold cultural stories—both in India and abroad.
Moreover, the simultaneous announcement of the South Indian biopic with SS Rajamouli and Jr. NTR has prompted debate within academic and artistic circles about regional interpretations of history and their respective approaches to narrative, performance, and visual style. The possibility of two major films on the same subject arriving within a short time frame has further heightened expectations, giving students, teachers, and cinephiles ample material for comparison and discussion.
From the perspective of cultural historians, the choice of Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani as collaborators signifies a strategic alignment between narrative innovation and scholarly integrity. Their reputations for creating films that simultaneously entertain and provoke critical reflection are, according to many analysts, precisely what is needed to revive interest in the origins of Indian cinema and the people who made it possible despite unimaginable odds.
Industry insiders believe the project could attract a broad spectrum of audiences, from older generations that recall the age of black-and-white films, to digital-native viewers looking for stories with both emotional depth and historical significance. Aamir Khan’s proven ability to adapt to challenging roles, and Rajkumar Hirani’s sensitivity to emotional nuance, are expected to combine in a biopic that honors the spirit of innovation at every level of filmmaking.
The commitment of all those involved to historical fidelity has resulted in ongoing collaboration with academics specializing in South Asian cinema. Expert consultants have guided the production in the sourcing of rare archival material, and have helped shape the film’s depiction of pivotal moments—such as the premiere of Raja Harishchandra, and Dadasaheb Phalke’s eventual acceptance by both critics and the general public.
A key theme running through development conversations is the challenge of balancing entertainment value with the instructive objectives of a biopic intended for a broad and diverse audience. Aamir Khan has publicly remarked on the importance of portraying not just the triumphs but also the persistent questions, mistakes, and ethical dilemmas faced by Dadasaheb Phalke. Echoing this, Rajkumar Hirani has said,
The collaboration among writers, historians, artists, and technical specialists stands as a model project for multidisciplinary storytelling in the 21st century. The team’s philosophy is that all great biographies should serve as windows into both personal determination and the collective choices that define national character.
As the production timeline advances, updates indicate that major portions of the film will be shot in locations that retain visible traces of the period in which Dadasaheb Phalke worked. This logistical effort aims to immerse Aamir Khan and the broader crew in real environments, rather than solely relying on CGI, and to foster authentic performances grounded in lived experience.
Underlying the rush of public anticipation is an understanding that Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Dadasaheb Phalke has the potential to set a new benchmark in biographical acting. Previous roles have showcased the actor’s ability to blend vulnerability, intellectual curiosity, and moral conviction—qualities essential for honoring the contradictions and aspirations that drove Phalke to invent Indian cinema in the first place.
Rajkumar Hirani’s track record of addressing sensitive topics with humanity and humor offers further hope that the final product will rise above mere hagiography. The film is expected to highlight the broader implications of Phalke’s work, including his role in the ongoing development of Indian democracy, collective memory, and the global reach of Bollywood as a cultural force.
The film’s release, currently scheduled for autumn 2026, is expected to coincide with major festivals and large-scale educational campaigns aimed at amplifying awareness about the origins and evolution of Indian cinema. Early marketing materials indicate the intention to reach not just urban, multiplex-going audiences but also students, teachers, and cinephiles in smaller towns and rural areas, thereby fulfilling both entertainment and educational mandates.
As the project progresses, Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani’s collaborative spirit continues to set the tone for ambitious narrative filmmaking in India. The biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke stands as a reminder of the enduring power of film—not just as a medium of storytelling but as a means of shaping society’s collective imagination. The anticipation surrounding their partnership suggests that the public, especially younger viewers, are eager for films that grapple with history in ways that are both insightful and emotionally compelling.
As the Indian film industry waits, the significance of this cinematic undertaking grows clearer. The story of Dadasaheb Phalke is, in many ways, the story of modern India: a tale of courage, vision, and unyielding hope set against formidable odds. The decision by Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani to pursue a project of such scope and depth marks not only a reunion of creative minds but, ultimately, a national tribute to the father of Indian cinema.
For those who look to cinema for reflection, inspiration, and understanding, the forthcoming film promises to offer all these experiences—and more. As filming unfolds and more details are released, anticipation for what may well become a landmark of Indian cinema, led by Aamir Khan and shaped by Rajkumar Hirani’s directorial vision, will undoubtedly continue to grow.
Ultimately, this biopic stands poised to become not just a film about history, but a part of history itself, inviting new generations to revisit the origins of a national art form—and to dream of what lies ahead.
