After years of quiet development, Aamir Khan and filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani are progressing closer to bringing Dadasaheb Phalke’s life to the big screen. This much-anticipated biopic, focusing on the man often called the father of Indian cinema, is expected to start production in March 2026. The creators are adopting a careful, unhurried approach to ensure that both the emotional depth and historical accuracy are achieved.
One significant reason for the delay is the ongoing script revisions. Reports indicate that Hirani is currently crafting a fresh draft, a decision emerging from years of discussion and refinement. The script has been in development for over four years, with various writers contributing at different stages. Hirani is working closely with his long-time collaborator Abhijat Joshi, alongside Hindukush Bharadwaj and Avishkar Bharadwaj. Their goal is clear: to narrate Phalke’s story in a manner that resonates with modern audiences while honoring his legacy.
Sources involved with the project suggest that the focus of the rewrite is to find the right tone for the film. Both Hirani and Khan believe that the film should maintain emotional relevance while remaining grounded in history. A source revealed, “Hirani and Aamir agree that the film must feel emotionally contemporary while staying rooted in history. The rewrite aims to balance humor and sincerity, ensuring that Phalke’s character arc reflects his stature.” The final draft is expected to be completed by February, with production slated to begin in late March.
Achieving this balance is crucial, as Phalke was not only a visionary but also a man who faced struggles and challenges while believing in his dream during a time when cinema was still in its infancy in India.
Recreating early 20th-century India is no small feat. The production team is employing cutting-edge technology to ensure that the period setting is convincingly portrayed. FX studios in Los Angeles have reportedly developed AI-powered visual references that will aid in designing sets and environments accurately, appealing to modern audiences.
Dadasaheb Phalke’s story remains significant today. He directed Raja Harishchandra in 1913, which is widely regarded as India’s first full-length feature film. His contributions laid the groundwork for an industry that now produces hundreds of films annually. Bringing his journey to the screen serves not just as a nostalgic reminder but also as a call to acknowledge the origins of Indian cinema.
As preparations for the biopic continue, Aamir Khan is presently engaged in promoting Happy Patel, a film he produced starring Vir Das and Mithila Palkar. Once he wraps up that project, all eyes will turn to this ambitious biopic, which promises to be both a tribute and a thoughtfully crafted narrative about a true pioneer.
Original Source: https://www.india.com/entertainment/aamir-khan-and-rajkumar-hirani-lock-march-2026-shoot-for-dadasaheb-phalkes-biopic-8268310/
Category: Entertainment,Aamir Khan,Dadasaheb Phalke biopic,rajkumar hirani
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Publish Date: 2026-01-14 23:59:00
