Cinema VinesThe much‑anticipated biopic of legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram has been pushed back to 2027, according to director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande. The film, which was announced in December, stars Siddhant Chaturvedi in the title role and features Tamannaah Bhatia as Shantaram’s second wife and actress Jayashree. Producers Rahul Kiran Shantaram, Subhash Kale and Sarita Ashwin Varde had originally slated the shoot for April 2026, but the project has not yet begun, sparking rumors that it might have been shelved.
In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Deshpande clarified that the biopic is still very much on track. He explained that a two‑month delay in the initial schedule disrupted the entire shooting plan. “We had initially planned an April shoot and planned to go indoors after rains. But we were delayed by two months, and then the whole schedule went haywire. Now with the fresh dates, we are planning to shoot next year with a few more big names in the casting apart from Siddhant and Tamannaah,” the director said.
The new schedule aims to start filming in April 2027. The team has arranged the timeline so that outdoor sequences will be completed first, followed by interior shoots during the monsoon season. The film will trace Shantaram’s journey from the silent era to the advent of sound and colour, highlighting his evolution into one of India’s most influential filmmakers.
Siddhant Chaturvedi, who is taking on his first biographical role, expressed excitement about portraying the visionary director known for lavish sets, unique song picturizations and visual symbolism. He said, “The more I read about his journey, the more humbled I felt. He wasn’t just a pioneer of Indian and global cinema, he was a visionary who kept pushing forward no matter the obstacles. Stepping into his world has been my most transformative experience as an actor. His life moved me deeply and reminded me of the power of perseverance. It’s a lesson I hope to hold close, both in my work and in every moment of my life.”
The biopic will showcase Shantaram’s notable works such as Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957), Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani (1946), Amar Bhoopali (1951) and Pinjara (1971). With the new dates set, the production team is also planning to bring in additional high‑profile actors to enrich the story.
