Jr NTR in Talks for Dadasaheb Phalke Biopic ‘Made in India’: SS Rajamouli Backs Ambitious Project

South Indian superstar Jr NTR is reportedly in advanced talks to play Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema, in the upcoming biographical drama Made in India. Produced by SS Rajamouli, the visionary filmmaker behind RRR and Baahubali, and directed by Nitin Kakkar, the film is being positioned as a pan-Indian tribute to the origins of Indian filmmaking.

The buzz surrounding this high-profile project has been steadily growing since early 2024, and the latest reports suggest that the film will go on floors later this year, with Jr NTR expected to headline the cast. If confirmed, this would mark a major shift in Jr NTR’s career as he transitions from action-packed roles to one steeped in historical and emotional depth.

A National Icon Gets a Mega Biopic

Dadasaheb Phalke is widely celebrated as the pioneer of Indian cinema. His 1913 silent film Raja Harishchandra is considered the first full-length Indian feature film. Despite his invaluable contribution, Phalke’s life has rarely been explored in popular media.

Made in India seeks to change that by offering an in-depth portrayal of the man behind the camera. The film promises to cover his early struggles, the skepticism he faced, and his unwavering passion that gave birth to what is now one of the world’s largest film industries.

SS Rajamouli said in a recent statement, “Dadasaheb Phalke’s story is not just history—it’s a testament to the spirit of creation. I believe the time has come for every Indian to know the legacy he left behind.”

Jr NTR’s Transformative Role

Known for his commanding screen presence, Jr NTR has taken on numerous high-octane roles in blockbusters such as Janatha Garage, Aravinda Sametha, and the globally acclaimed RRR. Playing Phalke would mark a major departure—a challenging, nuanced role that delves into the psyche of a visionary battling against the odds in colonial India.

While the actor has not officially confirmed his involvement, sources close to the production have revealed that Jr NTR is deeply interested in the project and is undergoing extensive research. He’s also reportedly meeting with historians and cinema scholars to understand Phalke’s contributions.

If finalized, this will be Jr NTR’s first full-fledged biopic and a bold move toward more character-driven cinema.

Pan-India Appeal and Multilingual Release

Made in India is expected to be shot in Hindi, Telugu, and Marathi, with dubbed versions in Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. The film aims to be a multilingual release to reflect the national relevance of its subject.

Director Nitin Kakkar, known for Filmistaan and Notebook, is working closely with a team of writers and historians to ensure the screenplay is both historically accurate and dramatically compelling. “It’s a rare honor to bring to life the journey of someone who gave us the medium we all cherish. The story will inspire, educate, and move audiences across generations,” Kakkar said.

SS Rajamouli’s Strategic Involvement

While not directing the film himself, Rajamouli’s role as a producer has elevated the film’s stature significantly. Known for delivering grand spectacles that balance emotion with scale, his involvement ensures the project will have both authenticity and cinematic flourish.

Industry insiders reveal that Rajamouli is overseeing the overall production strategy, ensuring that Made in India lives up to its name in both spirit and execution. With his global credibility post-RRR, the film could even attract international attention at festivals and awards.

A Race Between Two Biopics?

Interestingly, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has also announced a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, creating what some are calling a “race to Phalke.” While both films focus on the same historical figure, the creative teams and narrative approaches are likely to differ.

Trade analysts believe the simultaneous development of these projects reflects a growing interest in cinematic origin stories and national cultural pride. “It’s not competition—it’s celebration,” noted critic Rajeev Masand. “If both films maintain artistic integrity, they can complement each other rather than clash.”

Anticipated Release Date and Expectations

Although no official release date has been announced, sources suggest that Made in India could target a Republic Day 2026 or Independence Day 2026 release to align with the patriotic theme. Pre-production is in full swing, with costume designers, set builders, and casting directors working on recreating early 1900s India.

With the film’s pedigree, subject matter, and potential star power, expectations are sky-high. Fans of Jr NTR and Indian cinema at large are eagerly awaiting official confirmations.

Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz

Since the rumors emerged, the hashtag #JrNTRAsPhalke has been trending on X. Fans have expressed excitement about seeing the star in such a transformative role, while cinema lovers appreciate the renewed interest in Dadasaheb Phalke’s legacy.

A viral fan edit of Jr NTR in vintage attire has already crossed 2 million views on Instagram, and YouTube reaction channels are flooded with content speculating on casting, plot, and production design.