{"id":13058,"date":"2025-05-15T21:14:30","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T15:44:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/?p=13058"},"modified":"2025-05-15T21:14:31","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T15:44:31","slug":"aamir-khan-and-rajkumar-hirani-to-reunite-for-dadasaheb-phalke-biopic-bollywoods-race-to-retell-cinemas-origin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/2025\/05\/15\/aamir-khan-and-rajkumar-hirani-to-reunite-for-dadasaheb-phalke-biopic-bollywoods-race-to-retell-cinemas-origin\/","title":{"rendered":"Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani to Reunite for Dadasaheb Phalke Biopic: Bollywood\u2019s Race to Retell Cinema\u2019s Origin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a major announcement that has set the Indian film industry abuzz, Aamir Khan is reuniting with acclaimed director Rajkumar Hirani for a new project\u2014a biopic based on Dadasaheb Phalke, regarded as the father of Indian cinema. The untitled film will mark their first collaboration since the 2014 blockbuster PK<\/em> and is already generating massive buzz for its historical importance and powerhouse cast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bollywood’s New Fascination With Biopics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Biopics have become a dominant trend in Bollywood over the last decade, with films like Sanju<\/em>, Sardar Udham<\/em>, and Shershaah<\/em> receiving both critical acclaim and commercial success. However, the upcoming Dadasaheb Phalke biopic is unique in its scope. It doesn\u2019t just chronicle the life of a legendary figure\u2014it revisits the very foundation of Indian cinema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to sources close to the production, the film will dive deep into Phalke\u2019s struggles, innovations, and the cultural revolution he ignited with Raja Harishchandra<\/em> in 1913, widely regarded as India’s first full-length feature film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aamir Khan Returns to Form<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aamir Khan, known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking and role preparation, has reportedly been undergoing significant research and prep for his portrayal. After the underwhelming performance of Laal Singh Chaddha<\/em>, Khan had taken a hiatus from acting to focus on producing content under his banner, Aamir Khan Productions. His return to acting in a role of such gravitas signals a comeback of sorts\u2014and one the audience is keenly anticipating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Industry insiders believe that Khan is the perfect choice to portray Phalke due to his intellectual depth and passion for cinema. Speaking at a press event, Khan said, “This story is not just about a man\u2014it\u2019s about a movement. Phalke gave us the language of visual storytelling in India. It’s an honor to bring his journey to life.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rajkumar Hirani\u2019s Cinematic Vision<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rajkumar Hirani, celebrated for his emotionally resonant narratives and mass appeal, brings his signature touch to this biopic. Known for blending humor, heart, and social commentary, Hirani is expected to present Phalke\u2019s life not just as a historical account but as an inspirational saga for contemporary times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The director shared in a recent interview, \u201cWe often talk about the stars of cinema, but it\u2019s important to remember who made it all possible. Dadasaheb Phalke didn\u2019t just make films\u2014he built an industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is Hirani\u2019s first biopic, and fans are eager to see how he tackles the challenge of blending fact with compelling drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clash or Celebration? Jr NTR and SS Rajamouli Also in the Fray<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, the announcement of the Aamir-Hirani collaboration comes just days after rumors surfaced that Jr NTR might play Phalke in another biopic, Made in India<\/em>, directed by SS Rajamouli’s prot\u00e9g\u00e9, Nitin Kakkar, and produced by Rajamouli himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This has sparked a wave of comparisons and speculation across social media and Bollywood circles. While no official confirmation has come from Jr NTR’s camp, the possibility of two big-budget biopics on the same subject has added an unexpected twist to the narrative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Film analysts suggest that the two films, if released within close proximity, might either clash at the box office or create a rare cinematic phenomenon that celebrates India’s cinematic roots from different artistic lenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Production Details and Timeline<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Aamir-Hirani film is expected to go on floors by September 2025, with a targeted release during Diwali 2026. Pre-production is currently underway, with script development, casting for supporting roles, and location scouting in progress. The filmmakers are planning to shoot in vintage studios and historic locations across Maharashtra to maintain authenticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The film is expected to be bilingual\u2014released in Hindi and Marathi\u2014with plans for dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. This reflects the pan-Indian appeal of the story and the makers\u2019 intent to reach a wide audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cinematic Heritage Meets Modern Storytelling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

More than just a biography, the film aims to serve as a cultural document, reminding viewers of the origins of Indian cinema\u2014a timely tribute as the industry evolves in the age of streaming, AI tools, and globalized entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts suggest that films like these can inspire a new generation of filmmakers to value storytelling over spectacle. \u201cCinema didn\u2019t begin with budgets or stars\u2014it began with stories,\u201d said noted critic Mayank Shekhar. \u201cThis biopic, if done well, could be a much-needed reminder.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public Reception and Industry Hype<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Social media is already buzzing with excitement. Fans of Aamir Khan have flooded X (formerly Twitter) with hashtags like #AamirAsPhalke and #PhalkeBiopic, while cinephiles have expressed hope that the film does justice to the visionary\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, trade analysts predict a massive opening for the film, owing to the star power and emotional connect with India’s cinematic roots. \u201cWhen you combine Aamir Khan\u2019s perfectionism with Hirani\u2019s direction, it\u2019s a box office goldmine,\u201d said trade analyst Taran Adarsh.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In a major announcement that has set the Indian film industry abuzz, Aamir Khan is reuniting with acclaimed director Rajkumar Hirani for a new project\u2014a biopic based on Dadasaheb Phalke, regarded as the father of Indian cinema. The untitled film will mark their first collaboration since the 2014 blockbuster PK and is already generating massive …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13059,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[17285,17288,17294,17292,17290,17291,17293,17286,17289,17287],"class_list":["post-13058","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment-news","tag-aamir-khan-comeback-film","tag-aamir-khan-rajkumar-hirani-movie","tag-bollywood-historical-movies","tag-bollywood-upcoming-biopics","tag-dadasaheb-phalke-biopic-2025","tag-dadasaheb-phalke-movie-release-date","tag-hindi-biopic-films-2025","tag-hirani-and-aamir-2025-movie","tag-indian-cinema-origin-story","tag-jr-ntr-made-in-india-phalke"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13058"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13058"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13058\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13060,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13058\/revisions\/13060"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13059"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13058"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13058"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaanews.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13058"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}