“Baahubali” star Tamannaah Bhatia has been cast as actor Jayashree in the upcoming Indian biographical drama “V. Shantaram,” joining Siddhant Chaturvedi in the epic chronicle of the pioneering Indian filmmaker’s life and legacy.
The makers unveiled a first-look poster of Bhatia as Jayashree, the accomplished actor known for her work in films including “Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani,” “Shakuntala,” “Chandra Rao More” and “Dahej.” Jayashree was also V. Shantaram’s second wife and a key figure in his cinematic journey.
The poster showcases Bhatia draped in a pink Nauvari saree, evoking the vintage era of Indian cinema. The casting follows the recent unveiling of Chaturvedi in the title role of the biographical drama tracing Shantaram’s journey from the silent era through his emergence as one of India’s most influential auteurs.
“It’s a great responsibility to portray a character rooted in one of the most influential eras of our cinema. And I feel immensely honored to bring to life Jayashree, as she has been part of such legendary projects and the amount of grace she had was surreal,” Bhatia said. “Shantaram built a legacy that continues to shape generations, and decoding his universe has allowed me to witness the brilliance of the man behind the legend. Bringing a piece of that legacy to the screen is truly a special feeling, and I am thankful for the makers of ‘V. Shantaram’ to see me as Jayashree.”
V. Shantaram, born Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre in 1901, was a pioneering force in Indian cinema whose career spanned nearly seven decades. He founded two major film studios — Prabhat Film Company in 1929 and Rajkamal Kalamandir in 1942 — and directed the first Marathi-language talkie, “Ayodhyecha Raja,” in 1932. His films, including classics like “Duniya Na Mane” (1937), “Do Aankhen Barah Haath” (1957), “Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje” (1955) and “Navrang” (1959) were celebrated for their technical innovations and progressive social themes addressing issues like communal harmony, dowry, and prisoner rehabilitation. Known for his signature style of lavish sets, unique song picturizations, and visual symbolism — he used cinema as an instrument for social change throughout his career. He received India’s highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 1985.
Written and directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande, “V. Shantaram” is presented by Rajkamal Enterttainment, Camera Take Films and Roaring Rivers Productions. Rahul Kiran Shantaram, Subhash Kale and Sarita Ashwin Varde serve as producers.
