Aamir Khan Rajkumar Hirani Dadasaheb Phalke Biopic Shoot to Begin in March 2026

Actor Aamir Khan is gearing up to reunite with filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani for an ambitious biopic based on the life of Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the pioneer of Indian cinema. Contrary to speculation that the project had been shelved, fresh updates confirm that the film is actively in development and is scheduled to go on floors in March 2026.

The biopic has been in the making for several years, with the makers taking a cautious and detailed approach to ensure the story does justice to Phalke’s unparalleled contribution to Indian filmmaking. The focus, according to industry sources, has been on crafting a narrative that remains historically faithful while resonating emotionally with contemporary audiences.

At the heart of the delay has been the screenplay. The creative team has been working extensively on multiple drafts, refining the tone and structure of the story. The latest development suggests that a fresh draft is currently being prepared, marking a crucial stage in the film’s pre-production process. The script has undergone sustained reworking for over four years, reflecting the makers’ commitment to precision and depth.

Rajkumar Hirani is collaborating with a team of writers including Abhijat Joshi, Hindukush Bharadwaj, and Avishkar Bharadwaj to shape the final screenplay. Together, they aim to strike a delicate balance between sincerity and subtle humour—an approach Hirani is known for—while portraying Phalke’s journey with dignity and emotional weight. The objective is to present Phalke not just as a historical icon, but as a layered individual whose struggles and vision laid the foundation for India’s film industry.

Sources indicate that both Aamir Khan and Hirani are aligned on the film’s creative direction. They believe the story must feel emotionally relevant to modern viewers without compromising on its historical roots. The final script is expected to be locked by February 2026, clearing the path for production to commence by late March.

Adding to the film’s scale, the makers are also relying on cutting-edge technology to recreate early 20th-century India. Advanced AI-driven visual references have reportedly been developed by international visual effects studios to authentically depict the era in which Phalke lived and worked. This technological integration is expected to enhance realism while maintaining cinematic finesse.

Dadasaheb Phalke’s legacy remains foundational to Indian cinema. His 1913 silent film Raja Harishchandra is recognised as India’s first full-length feature film, a milestone that forever changed the country’s cultural landscape. The biopic is expected to trace his personal and professional challenges, highlighting the perseverance that shaped his groundbreaking achievements.

Meanwhile, Aamir Khan continues to stay active on the production front. He is currently promoting Happy Patel, a film backed by his production banner, featuring Vir Das and Mithila Palkar in key roles.

With filming now firmly on the horizon, expectations around the Aamir Khan–Rajkumar Hirani collaboration are steadily building, positioning the Dadasaheb Phalke biopic as one of the most anticipated projects in the coming years.