Mumbai — Actor Siddhant Chaturvedi has stunned fans with his striking transformation into legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram, as he gears up to headline the filmmaker’s official biopic. His uncanny resemblance to the cinema icon has generated widespread excitement and set high expectations for the ambitious project.
On Monday, Siddhant shared a series of images from the film’s first look on social media, capturing his period appearance — complete with traditional attire, a Nehru cap, and a vintage film camera. One of the posters features him standing confidently against a dramatic backdrop of an eagle with outstretched wings, evoking the scale and spirit of Shantaram’s cinematic legacy.
Along with the visuals, Siddhant penned an emotional note expressing the significance of the role.
“Thank you for all the love and support on the poster. It truly means a lot,” he wrote. “Couldn’t have been a better time than now to tell and remind us of a story of rebellion and the glory of Indian cinema that shaped the country.”
Calling the project a dream opportunity, he added:
“From a boy who dreamt silently in frames to standing in the shadow of a legend… AnnaSaheb – V. Shantaram. Every artist waits for that one story that tests your truth, your heart, and your hunger. This is mine.”
He ended the message with the Marathi line, “हो आता करूया… Picture Start!” (“Yes, let’s begin… Picture Start!”).
A Biopic on a Cinematic Visionary
The film, titled “V. Shantaram”, will chronicle the pioneering director’s journey—from the silent era to talkies to the arrival of colour—showcasing his influence on Indian and global cinema. A poster released by the makers read:
“The Rebel Who Redefined Indian Cinema Is Back Where He Belongs — On the Big Screen.”
Siddhant, reflecting on the responsibility of portraying such a towering figure, said:
“He wasn’t just a pioneer; he was a visionary who kept pushing forward despite every obstacle. Stepping into his world has been my most transformative experience as an actor.”
Director Speaks
Director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande said the filmmaker has been one of his biggest inspirations:
“V. Shantaram’s courage to experiment shaped the cinema we know today. Telling his story is an honour, and Siddhant stepping into this role feels like destiny.”
About V. Shantaram
Born Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre in 1901 in Kolhapur, the filmmaker’s career spanned nearly 70 years. He founded two iconic studios—Prabhat Film Company (1929) and Rajkamal Kalamandir (1942)—and directed India’s first Marathi talkie “Ayodhyecha Raja” (1932).
His acclaimed works include:
- Duniya Na Mane (1937)
- Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955)
- Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957)
- Navrang (1959)
In 1985, he was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest recognition in cinema.
The Team
The biopic is written and directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande and is presented by Rajkamal Entertainment, Camera Take Films, and Roaring Rivers Productions.
Producers include Rahul Kiran Shantaram, Subhash Kale, and Sarita Ashwin Varde.
With inputs from IANS