Aamir Khan is gearing up to reunite with filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani for a long-anticipated biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the pioneer of Indian cinema. The film, which has been in the works for several years, is now finally moving closer to production, with shooting expected to begin in March 2026.
According to reports, the project is currently in an advanced stage of pre-production, with major focus being placed on refining the script. Hirani is said to be working on a fresh draft, aiming to strike the right balance between historical accuracy and emotional resonance. The intention is to present Phalke’s life in a way that feels relevant to modern audiences, without compromising on the authenticity of his journey and struggles.
Script development has reportedly been ongoing for over four years and has involved multiple writers. Hirani is collaborating closely with Abhijat Joshi, along with Hindukush Bharadwaj and Avishkar Bharadwaj, to shape the narrative. The team is revisiting the screenplay to fine-tune its tone, ensuring that the storytelling carries both warmth and depth. The aim is to reflect Phalke’s vision, resilience, and quiet determination, qualities that helped lay the foundation of an entire film industry.
A source quoted in media reports revealed that both Hirani and Aamir are aligned on the emotional approach of the film. While the story is rooted firmly in history, the filmmakers want it to feel emotionally contemporary. The rewrite is focused on balancing subtle humour with sincerity, a signature style often associated with Hirani’s films. The source added that the character arc must reflect Phalke’s stature and the magnitude of his contribution to Indian cinema. The final draft of the script is expected to be locked by February 2026, paving the way for filming to begin by late March.
In terms of production design, the makers are also turning to technology to recreate the era authentically. Visual effects studios based in Los Angeles have reportedly developed AI-powered visual references to help accurately depict the early 20th-century setting, including locations, equipment, and cinematic environments from Phalke’s time.
Dadasaheb Phalke’s legacy remains unmatched. He directed Raja Harishchandra in 1913, recognised as India’s first full-length feature film, marking the birth of Indian cinema. Bringing his story to the big screen is seen as both a tribute and a responsibility.
Meanwhile, Aamir Khan is currently busy promoting Happy Patel, a film produced by him and starring Vir Das and Mithila Palkar. With the Phalke biopic now taking concrete shape, audiences can expect a deeply researched and emotionally grounded film that celebrates the origins of Indian cinema.
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