A major controversy has erupted in the Indian film industry as two prominent filmmakers Aamir Khan and SS Rajamouli gear up to produce separate biopics on Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema. The clash intensified after Phalke’s grandson, Chandrashekhar Pusalkar publicly criticized Rajamouli’s team for not consulting the family before announcing their film while openly supporting Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani for its respectful and research driven approach. This unexpected showdown has not only stirred debates among cinephiles but also raised questions about authenticity, consent, and legacy in biographical storytelling.
Aamir Khan vs. SS Rajamouli
Aamir Khan in collaboration with acclaimed director Rajkumar Hirani who has announced a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke. This marks their third collaboration after successful films like “3 Idiots” and “PK.” The announcement came shortly after reports surfaced about another biopic on Phalke, potentially starring Jr NTR and associated with director SS Rajamouli.
Rajamouli’s project was also unveiled on the same topic. The film is set to be produced by his son, SS Karthikeya, and Varun Gupta, with Nitin Kakkar directing. Rajamouli expressed his emotional connection to the project, stating, “Making a biopic is tough in itself, but conceiving one about the FATHER OF INDIAN CINEMA is even more challenging.
The Controversy: Family Consent and Authenticity
Chandrashekhar Pusalkar has publicly criticized Rajamouli’s team for not consulting the Phalke family before announcing “Made in India.” He expressed shock and disappointment, stating that neither Rajamouli nor his team reached out to the family for consent or discussions regarding the biopic.
In contrast, Pusalkar praised Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani for their respectful approach. He mentioned that assistant producer Hindu Kush Bhardwaj had been in regular contact with him for over three years, conducting thorough research and visiting various places related to Phalke’s life. Pusalkar has given his consent to Khan and Hirani’s project and expressed a desire to see Vidya Balan portray Phalke’s wife.
Dadasaheb Phalke: A Legacy Worthy of Respect
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke, is credited with making India’s first full-length feature film, “Raja Harishchandra,” in 1913. His pioneering work laid the foundation for Indian cinema, and his contributions continue to inspire filmmakers today.
The race to depict Dadasaheb Phalke’s life on the big screen has highlighted the importance of authenticity and family involvement in biographical films. While both projects aim to honor Phalke’s legacy, the differing approaches have led to a significant controversy. As the projects develop, audiences and critics alike will be watching closely to see which film truly captures the essence of the man who pioneered Indian cinema.