Mumbai: Renowned South Indian superstar Jr. NTR, often hailed as the “Man of the Masses”, is set to step into the legendary shoes of Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema, in the much-anticipated biopic “Made in India”. The film promises to be a sweeping tribute to the origins and evolution of Indian cinema and will be released as a pan-India project.
A Tribute to the Father of Indian Cinema
Made in India is not just a biopic, but a cinematic journey into the life and legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke, the visionary who laid the foundation of the Indian film industry. The film aims to present untold stories and pivotal moments from Phalke’s life, offering audiences a fresh and immersive narrative about the birth of Indian cinema.
The Team Behind the Vision
Originally announced in 2023 by celebrated filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, the project is being produced by Varun Gupta (Max Studios) and S.S. Karthikeya (Showing Business). After nearly two years of rigorous script development, the final draft has now been locked.
According to sources close to the project, Rajamouli, Karthikeya, and Gupta recently conducted an exclusive script narration session with Jr. NTR, who was reportedly deeply moved by the story. The actor was particularly intrigued by the lesser-known chapters of Phalke’s life and the vision that laid the groundwork for Indian cinema. Impressed by the emotional depth and cinematic scope, Jr. NTR gave his nod to the project immediately.
A Role Like Never Before
This film marks a significant shift for Jr. NTR, known for his powerhouse action roles and larger-than-life screen presence. In Made in India, he will take on a more nuanced, dramatic role, offering him a unique opportunity to explore an iconic character outside the commercial action genre.
Sources suggest that after hearing the script, Jr. NTR engaged in in-depth discussions on the screenplay and its cinematic treatment. The role of Dadasaheb Phalke, a man of extraordinary vision and relentless determination, is expected to challenge the actor’s range and bring forth one of his most memorable performances to date.
A Cinematic Tribute to the Birth of an Industry
Made in India seeks to delve deep into the origins of Indian cinema, as seen through the eyes of its pioneer. The film will portray how Phalke, against all odds, created India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913), and laid the foundation for what would become the world’s largest film industry.
With the creative synergy of S.S. Rajamouli, his son S.S. Karthikeya, and Varun Gupta, the project aspires to be not just a biographical drama but a landmark cinematic event that educates, inspires, and emotionally connects with audiences across the nation.
Release Timeline and Expectations
While the official release date has not been announced yet, the film is expected to begin production later this year. Given the star power of Jr. NTR and the visionary team behind it, Made in India is poised to become a benchmark in Indian biographical cinema.
As excitement builds, one thing is clear: with Jr. NTR embodying Dadasaheb Phalke, Made in India is ready to take audiences on a cinematic journey like never before—back to the roots of storytelling, cinema, and dreams.
