Reports indicating the shelving of the highly anticipated V. Shantaram biopic, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tamannaah Bhatia, have been definitively refuted by director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande. Despite persistent speculation surrounding its production timeline, Deshpande has clarified that the film is not cancelled but merely subject to a rescheduled shoot, now slated for 2027. This biographical drama, poised to chronicle the monumental life of legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram, initially aimed for an April 2026 production start. However, unforeseen logistical hurdles have necessitated a significant adjustment to the filming schedule.
The project, which garnered considerable buzz upon its official announcement in December, cast Siddhant Chaturvedi in the titular role of V. Shantaram, with Tamannaah Bhatia later joining to portray Jayashree, Shantaram’s second wife and a prominent actress of her time. Produced by Rahul Kiran Shantaram, Subhash Kale, and Sarita Ashwin Varde, the film’s initial plan to commence principal photography in April 2026 led to growing unease among fans and industry observers when no filming activity was reported several months beyond the anticipated start date. This lack of progress fueled widespread rumors of the biopic being abandoned.
Addressing these concerns directly in a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande dispelled all rumors of the film being shelved. He explained that a critical two-month delay derailed the meticulously planned initial schedule. This setback, according to Deshpande, threw the entire production timeline into disarray. Consequently, the team has re-evaluated and formulated a fresh strategy, aiming to commence filming next year. He further hinted at the inclusion of “a few more big names in the casting apart from Siddhant and Tamannaah,” suggesting an expansion of the ensemble.
Under the new strategic framework, the shooting for the V. Shantaram biopic is now projected to begin in April 2027. This revised plan prioritizes the completion of outdoor sequences first, with interior filming designated for the monsoon period, thereby optimizing resource allocation and minimizing weather-related disruptions.
The biopic is envisioned as a comprehensive exploration of V. Shantaram’s remarkable career, tracing his journey from the silent film era through the groundbreaking introduction of sound and color cinema. His innovative spirit and profound influence on Indian filmmaking are set to be celebrated, highlighting his legacy through classics such as ‘Do Aankhen Barah Haath’ (1957), ‘Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani’ (1946), ‘Amar Bhoopali’ (1951), and ‘Pinjara’ (1971).
For Siddhant Chaturvedi, this project marks a significant milestone as his inaugural biographical role. During the initial announcement, Chaturvedi expressed profound humility and honor at the opportunity, remarking on V. Shantaram’s multifaceted identity as not only a pioneer in both Indian and global cinema but also a visionary who consistently overcame formidable challenges. He shared that immersing himself in Shantaram’s life story has been a deeply transformative experience, instilling in him a renewed appreciation for perseverance, a lesson he intends to carry forward in both his professional and personal life.
Siddhant Chaturvedi was most recently seen alongside Mrunal Thakur in ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein,’ a film directed by Ravi Udyawar, which premiered on February 20, 2026.