Siddhant To Play V Shantaram

The project will be helmed by V. Shantaram’s son, Kiran Shantaram. “V. Shantaram was one of the true visionaries of Indian cinema. The film aims to introduce his legacy to a younger generation, and it’s only fitting that a young actor should lead it,” said a source connected to the production team.

The biopic will trace Shantaram’s journey from humble beginnings in Kolhapur to becoming one of the pioneers of the Hindi film industry.

With classics such as Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955) and Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957), V. Shantaram was a trailblazer. He was the first to cast women in significant roles, the first to sell film music rights, and among the earliest to attempt a colour film in India.

“His films travelled to Cannes, Venice and Berlin Film Festivals, and he was honoured with a Golden Globe in 1959. The biopic will not only be enlightening but also entertaining and dramatic. Siddhant has already done a look test, and the resemblance is striking. The film is expected to go on the floors in the next couple of months,” the source added.

Siddhant Chatruvedi recently won praise for his work in Dhadak 2. “He is a talented actor, but has yet to prove his saleability. A movie like this would be a coup for him,” says a casting director.

Actor Fardeen Khan will also have a pivotal role. Since V. Shantaram was married three times, the makers are looking for three actresses to play his wives.