Dadasaheb Phalke biopic controversy: Grandson criticises SS Rajamouli’s approach, endorses Aamir’s biopic

The race for the Dadasaheb Phalke biopic has intensified following the official announcement on Thursday that Aamir Khan is reuniting with filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani for a feature film on the legendary filmmaker. Interestingly, this news dropped just a day after fresh speculation emerged that Jr NTR would be portrayingDadasaheb Phalke in a separate project directed by SS Rajamouli.While Rajamouli first hinted at a Dada-saheb Phalke biopic, titled, , in 2023, the project has come under scrutiny from Phalke’s grandson, Chandrashekhar Shrikrishna Pusalkar, who expressed disappointment over not being consulted. In an interview with Amar Ujala, he voiced his support for the Aamir Khan-Rajkumar Hirani film, saying, “Assistant producer Hindu Kush Bhardwaj had been in regular contact with me for over three years. And He used to reach out with queries, visit various places related to Phalke’s life, and I truly value and cherish their effort and research. I’ve given them my consent. I’d also love to see Vidya Balan play the role of Phalke’s wife,” said Pusalkar. In September 2023, Rajamouli announced , a biopic about Dadasaheb Phalke — revered as the father of Indian cinema — with Nitin Kakkar attached as director. On Thursday, speculation emerged that Jr. NTR might star as Phalke, the filmmakers however did not make any official announcement.On Thursday, Aamir Khan announced that he is reuniting with director Rajkumar Hirani, to portray Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema, in an upcoming biopic. The film will begin work after wrapping .Who is Dadasaheb Phalke ? Dadasaheb Phalke was a pioneering filmmaker, credited with creating India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913. Revered as the Father of Indian Cinema, his legacy laid the foundation for the vast Indian film industry.