TIFF 2025: Pratik Gandhi calls Tom Felton his “first friend in England”

Pratik Gandhi and Tom Felton bond at TIFF premiere of Gandhi

Sometimes film festivals give you more than just cinema. At this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), it also gave audiences a new friendship — between Harry Potter star Tom Felton and Indian actor Pratik Gandhi.

The two walked the red carpet together for the world premiere of their series Gandhi, directed by Hansal Mehta. Felton, forever remembered by fans as Draco Malfoy, plays Josiah Oldfield in the drama, while Gandhi steps into the shoes of Mahatma Gandhi himself.

Felton was the first to share the excitement online. Posting photos with Gandhi, Hansal Mehta, Bhamini Oza and Kabir Bedi, he wrote: “To my brother in arms @pratikgandhiofficial - the cast & crew that made this happen - what an honour it was to premiere ‘Gandhi’ at @tiff_net to a standing ovation this weekend - @hansalmehta #gandhi.”

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Pratik’s reply was both emotional and cheeky. “Cheers to my first friend in England, the innocent, emotional and funny @t22felton. Can’t wait to have you in India,” he commented, winning over fans who loved the unexpected camaraderie.

It wasn’t just them. Academy Award-winner A.R. Rahman, who is scoring the series, also added to the buzz. He posted a selfie with Felton captioned with a playful nod to Harry Potter: “With Draco.” Rahman confirmed the English actor’s pivotal role in the project, writing: “@t22felton is a major part of the #Gandhi series I am scoring which premiered yesterday at @tiff_net @hansalmehta @applausesocial @pratikgandhiofficial.”

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The series itself is an ambitious three-season drama exploring Gandhi’s early years, his political awakening, and the events that shaped India’s fight for independence. Alongside Gandhi and Felton, Bhamini Oza portrays Kasturba Gandhi, while Kabir Bedi also features in key moments.

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Mahatma Gandhi's early life is examined in the first season of Gandhi, while later seasons highlight India's struggle for independence. The three-season show offers a thorough analysis of Gandhi's life at different times, highlighting the people and events that shaped the nation's fight for independence.