🎬 Bollywood vs Tollywood: Dadasaheb Phalke Biopic Sparks Family Feud! 😱
- MediaFx
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
TL;DR: Two major biopics on Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema, are in the works—one by Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani, and another by SS Rajamouli featuring Jr NTR. Phalke's grandson, Chandrashekhar Pusalkar, has expressed displeasure with Rajamouli's team for not consulting the family, while praising Aamir Khan's team for their respectful approach.

🎥 A Tale of Two Biopics: Aamir Khan vs SS Rajamouli
Bollywood's perfectionist Aamir Khan and acclaimed director Rajkumar Hirani have announced a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, reuniting after over a decade since their last collaboration. Simultaneously, Tollywood's visionary SS Rajamouli is presenting "Made in India," a biopic directed by Nitin Kakkar, with Jr NTR rumored to play Phalke.
👨👦 Family Matters: Phalke's Grandson Speaks Out
Chandrashekhar Pusalkar, Phalke's grandson, has publicly criticized Rajamouli's team for not consulting the family about the biopic. He stated, "If someone is making a film on Phalke ji, then at least the family should be talked to. The family cannot be ignored; it's we who know the real stories."
In contrast, he praised Aamir Khan's team, noting that assistant producer Hindukush Bhardwaj had been in touch with him for the last three years, conducting thorough research and seeking the family's input. Pusalkar expressed confidence in Aamir Khan's portrayal, describing him as "serious and honest."
🎬 "Made in India": Rajamouli's Vision
Announced in 2023, "Made in India" is being produced by Varun Gupta and SS Karthikeya, Rajamouli's son. The film aims to celebrate Phalke's legacy and his groundbreaking work in establishing Indian cinema. While Jr NTR's involvement is yet to be officially confirmed, AI-generated images of him as Phalke have gone viral, fueling anticipation.
🎥 Aamir Khan & Rajkumar Hirani: A Thoughtful Approach
Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani's biopic is set to begin production after the release of "Sitaare Zameen Par." The script has been in development for four years, with the team working closely with Phalke's family to ensure authenticity. Pusalkar has even suggested Vidya Balan to portray his grandmother, Saraswatibai Phalke, highlighting the family's involvement in the project.
MediaFx Opinion:
In the race to honor Dadasaheb Phalke's legacy, it's crucial to prioritize authenticity and respect for the subject's family. Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani's approach exemplifies this, involving Phalke's descendants and conducting thorough research. Conversely, Rajamouli's team's lack of communication with the family raises concerns about the biopic's authenticity. As cinema enthusiasts, we must advocate for storytelling that honors the truth and respects the legacies of pioneers like Phalke.