Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the “Father of Indian Cinema,” was a visionary filmmaker who laid the foundation for the Indian film industry. Born in 1870, Phalke was a man of many talents—painter, photographer, and magician—who used his diverse skills to pioneer cinematic storytelling in India. In 1913, he made Raja Harishchandra, the first full-length Indian feature film, marking the beginning of Indian cinema. His dedication, innovation, and passion for filmmaking paved the way for generations of filmmakers and earned him a legendary status in Indian cultural history.
In a remarkable development for Indian cinema, two major biopics based on the life and legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke are currently in the pipeline, each spearheaded by cinema powerhouses from Bollywood and Tollywood.
Jr. NTR’s Experimental Project
Tollywood’s Young Tiger, Jr. NTR, is reportedly preparing for an ambitious and experimental project, which could potentially become one of the biggest milestones in his acting career. The buzz from the Telugu film industry suggests that this new venture is centered around portraying the life of Dadasaheb Phalke, making it a bold and historical move for the star.
Aamir Khan’s Biopic: A Bollywood Vision
In Bollywood, superstar Aamir Khan is all set to portray Dadasaheb Phalke in a biopic directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. The project has been under development for the past four years and is expected to begin filming in October 2025. According to reports, the story will explore Phalke’s life against the backdrop of India’s independence movement, blending historical depth with cinematic flair.
Tollywood Version – Made in India
On the other side, Tollywood is crafting its own tribute to Phalke with the film titled Made in India. Directed by Nitin Kakkar and presented by visionary filmmaker SS Rajamouli, this project was officially announced in 2023. The team has approached Jr. NTR for the lead role, and while the star has reportedly shown strong interest after hearing the script, an official confirmation is still awaited. The film promises to delve into Phalke’s journey, including the making of Raja Harishchandra in 1913, which laid the groundwork for Indian cinema.
