Mumbai: Bollywood actor Siddhant Chaturvedi has finally given fans the first glimpse of his transformation into legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram. The poster of the next biopic V. Shantaram has set off a frenzy within the cine lovers, as it is one of the most ambitious projects of Siddhant so far.
The film is written and directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande and aims to celebrate the extraordinary life of one of India’s most influential filmmakers. The role of Shantaram in Indian cinematography is an extended decades-long legacy of influence on the storytelling, aesthetics and technical creativity that persist in influencing filmmakers even now.
A Striking First Look That Captures the Era
The unveiling poster shows Siddhant in a classic period look, dressed in traditional attire paired with a Nehru cap. He stands beside a vintage film camera, symbolising Shantaram’s pioneering role behind the lens. Behind him, the artwork features a majestic eagle spreading its wings across a cloudy sky, giving the poster a dramatic and larger than life feel.
Camera Take Films and Siddhant posted the image on Instagram with the caption, “The Rebel Who Redefined Indian Cinema Is Back Where He Belongs – On the Big Screen,” instantly sparking excitement.
Siddhant Chaturvedi on Playing the Icon
The actor shared his emotional connection to the project, calling it the most transformative experience of his career.
He said:
“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 was not just a pioneer of Indian and global cinema, he was a visionary who kept pushing forward no matter the obstacles. His life reminded me of the power of perseverance, something I hope to carry with me forever.”
Siddhant’s heartfelt words reflect the weight of portraying a personality whose cinematic contributions continue to influence Indian cinema.
Director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande on Bringing the Story to Life
Director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande expressed that this film has been a long cherished dream. He told how the work of Shantaram influenced the very concept of Indian cinema and the work on his biopic takes great care and responsibility.
Deshpande said that Siddhant Chaturvedi fit the vision perfectly and brought the right combination of sensitivity, intensity and curiosity needed to portray someone as influential as V. Shantaram.
The Team Behind the Film
V. Shantaram is presented by Rajkamal Entertainment, Camera Take Films and Roaring Rivers Productions. It is produced by Rahul Kiran Shantaram, Subhas Kale, and Sarita Ashwin Varde.
The movie is a collaboration between an extremely strong team with the hope of making a great cinematic homage to a man who changed the face of Indian cinema forever.
The Legacy of V. Shantaram
V. Shantaram, lovingly known as Annasaheb, is remembered as one of the greatest filmmakers in Indian cinema history. His films such as Do Aankhen Barah Haath, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, and Navrang are considered milestones. His innovative storytelling and social themes placed him far ahead of his time.
Shantaram was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1985.
He himself also led a rich personal life, having three wives and seven children. He died on 30 October 1990 in Mumbai and he has left behind a strong legacy that is still inspiring generations.
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