Indian cinema is about to witness a landmark moment as the story of the forgotten global icon V. Shantaram returns to inspire a new generation. Siddhant Chaturvedi takes on the most transformative and complex role of his career, bringing to life the pioneering filmmaker V. Shantaram, long-hailed as the original rebel of Indian cinema. The makers have unveiled Siddhant as Shantaram in the announcement poster of the epic biographical drama, eponymously titled ‘V. Shantaram’.
Director Abhijeet Shirish Despande said “V. Shantaram has been a huge source of inspiration for me as a filmmaker. His courage to experiment and his vision shaped so much of the cinema we know today. Telling his story is an honour and I hope we do justice to the man behind the legend. With this first poster, we are sharing a glimpse of that journey, with Siddhant Chaturvedi stepping into a role we always believed he was meant to play.”
“Portraying V. Shantaram ji is one of the greatest honours of my life. The more I read about his journey, the more humbled I felt. He wasn’t just a pioneer of Indian and global cinema, he was a visionary who kept pushing forward no matter the obstacles. Stepping into his world has been my most transformative experience as an actor. His life moved me deeply and reminded me of the power of perseverance. It’s a lesson I hope to hold close, both in my work and in every moment of my life.” – Siddhant Chaturvedi
Producer Subhas Kale added,“V. Shantaram ji’s legacy is one of the strongest pillars of Indian cinema. His vision, his struggles and his innovations continue to inspire all of us who work in this industry. With this film, we hope to honour his journey in the most sincere way possible. As we unveil the first poster today, we are proud to have Siddhant Chaturvedi step into his shoes. His sincerity and commitment make him a fitting face to carry forward Shantaram ji’s legacy.”
“V. Shantaram isn’t just one of the greatest architects of Indian cinema, he is its heartbeat. Yet his extraordinary vision and contributions have often remained under celebrated. With this film, we hope to bring his legacy into the spotlight. Siddhant Chaturvedi was our first and only choice for the part. His passion and sincerity made him the natural choice to portray Shantaram ji on screen.”
– Producer Sarita Ashwin Varde
The historical biopic showcases the colourful life and cinematic genius of one of India’s most visionary storytellers. Written and Directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande, the film traces his remarkable journey from the silent era, to the advent of sound and eventually, colour emerging as one of the most influential auteurs in Indian cinematic history.
Presented by Rajkamal Enterttainment, Camera Take Films, and Roaring Rivers Productions, ‘V. Shantaram’ is produced by Rahul Kiran Shantaram, Subhash Kale and Sarita Ashwin Varde, and directed by Abhijeet Shirish Despande.