- Friday, June 13, 2025
Chandrashekhar Pusalkar, grandson of Dadasaheb Phalke, voices disappointment over SS Rajamouli’s biopic approach while praising Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani’s research-driven project backed by years of family interaction.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
In a surprising turn of events, Chandrashekhar Srikrishna Pusalkar, the grandson of Dadasaheb Phalke—widely revered as the father of Indian cinema—has openly criticized filmmaker SS Rajamouli for not involving the Phalke family in his upcoming biopic Made in India. The backlash comes as actor Aamir Khan and filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani officially announced their collaboration on a separate Phalke biopic, earning strong support from the late pioneer’s descendants.
While Rajamouli’s project, which was announced in 2023 and is being produced under Max Studios and Showing Business, reportedly has Jr NTR in talks to play the lead, it appears the film has not consulted any members of the Phalke family during its developmental stages. This glaring omission has drawn discontent from Pusalkar, who emphasized the importance of engaging the family to ensure an authentic portrayal.
Speaking to Amar Ujala, Pusalkar said, “I have been hearing discussions about Rajamouli’s project, but he never contacted me for it. No one spoke to me on behalf of Rajamouli. 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 stark contrast, Pusalkar praised the team behind the Aamir Khan-Rajkumar Hirani biopic for their sincerity and extensive research. He revealed that their assistant producer, Hindukush Bhardwaj, had been engaging with the family for the past three years, consistently visiting him and conducting in-depth research. “Aamir-Hirani’s team worked hard to gain our trust,” he said. “I told them clearly, you guys are working honestly, you go ahead, I have no objection.”
Pusalkar further expressed excitement over Aamir Khan portraying his grandfather in the film, referring to the actor as a “serious fellow” who approaches work with honesty. He also suggested actress Vidya Balan as an ideal choice to portray Saraswatibai Phalke, Dadasaheb’s wife, calling her well-suited for the role.
While Aamir and Hirani’s biopic is expected to begin pre-production after Sitaare Zameen Par releases in June, Made in India—the rival film—remains shrouded in speculation, particularly concerning its authenticity and casting decisions. The simultaneous development of two biopics has sparked curiosity and concern among cinephiles and industry observers alike, with many now questioning the ethics and thoroughness of both productions.
This unfolding battle of biopics not only highlights the importance of involving family members in legacy-based storytelling but also raises broader questions about creative responsibility in historical cinema. As both films move forward, it remains to be seen which team will deliver a more accurate and respectful tribute to the pioneer of Indian filmmaking.
