Manoj Bajpayee is set to portray Mahatma Gandhi for the first time in his career in filmmaker Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming film. The project focuses on a pivotal 21-day period from Gandhi’s later life around India’s Independence.
Manoj Bajpayee is stepping into a challenging new role. The acclaimed actor will portray Mahatma Gandhi for the first time in his career in filmmaker Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming feature film. The project has now officially gone on floors in Lucknow, where the cast has begun shooting an outdoor sequence.
The film, currently being referred to by the working title Gandhi and My Mother, will focus on a significant 21-day period from Gandhi’s life during the turbulent period surrounding India’s Independence. Rather than attempting to cover his entire life, the film is expected to concentrate on his decisions, actions and experiences during this defining chapter in Indian history.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, shooting is currently underway in Lucknow. The film also features Divya Dutta and Saurabh Shukla in important roles.
Manoj Bajpayee To Play Mahatma Gandhi
The project marks the first time Manoj Bajpayee will portray Mahatma Gandhi on screen. Given the historical and cultural significance of the character, the actor has reportedly undergone a significant physical transformation for the role.
Producer Anubhav Sinha revealed that Bajpayee has lost considerable weight and is currently following a restricted diet and a specific lifestyle as he prepares for the character.
Speaking about the actor’s preparation, Sinha said, “Manoj has lost considerable weight for the film and is currently in the ‘Gandhi zone’ on a restricted diet and a particular lifestyle.”
The transformation is expected to be an important part of Bajpayee’s portrayal, particularly as the film focuses on Gandhi during the later stage of his life.
Sudhir Mishra’s Personal Connection With Gandhi Story
For director Sudhir Mishra, the film has a deeply personal connection.
The filmmaker previously revealed that his mother, Durga Devendra Nath Mishra, had met Gandhi when she was a child. Mishra said that conversations with his mother about Gandhi stayed with him for years and eventually inspired him to make a film about the freedom leader.
Before her death in 2022, Mishra had promised his mother that he would make a film on Gandhi.
Speaking to HT City, the filmmaker explained that the script focuses on a chapter from the later stage of Gandhi’s life. The personal connection appears to have played a major role in shaping the project.
Film Focuses On A 21-Day Chapter From Gandhi’s Life
Instead of presenting a conventional biopic spanning Gandhi’s entire life, Sudhir Mishra is taking a more focused approach.
The film will explore a 21-day period around India’s Independence, examining Gandhi’s choices and actions while the country was going through one of the most turbulent phases of its history.
The period surrounding Independence was marked by political upheaval, communal tensions and uncertainty. Gandhi’s approach during this period was notably different from the conventional political celebrations associated with Independence.
The film is expected to explore this historical chapter through the filmmaker’s interpretation of Gandhi’s experiences and decisions.
Anubhav Sinha Backs Sudhir Mishra’s Film
The upcoming project brings Sudhir Mishra and producer Anubhav Sinha together once again.
Sinha, the founder of Benaras Mediaworks, previously collaborated with Mishra on the 2023 film Afwaah. He is backing the filmmaker’s latest project as producer.
Sinha has also provided an update on the ongoing production, revealing that the shoot will continue in Lucknow until October.
“We just have a working title for now and we are working on a new title,” Sinha said while discussing the project.
This suggests that the title Gandhi and My Mother may not necessarily be the final name of the film.
Divya Dutta And Saurabh Shukla Also Part Of The Cast
Alongside Manoj Bajpayee, the film features Divya Dutta and Saurabh Shukla.
Details about their characters are currently being kept under wraps. The makers have also not revealed the complete cast of the film.
With production underway, further announcements about the supporting actors and their roles are expected in the coming months.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Challenging Transformation
Playing a historical figure as prominent as Mahatma Gandhi comes with considerable responsibility, and Bajpayee appears to be approaching the role with a major physical and lifestyle transformation.
His reported weight loss and restricted diet indicate that the actor is investing heavily in creating a convincing portrayal.
Bajpayee has previously taken on a wide range of complex characters across films and web series, but portraying Gandhi represents a distinctly different challenge. The role requires not only a physical transformation but also an understanding of Gandhi’s mannerisms, personality and philosophy.
When Will Sudhir Mishra’s Gandhi Film Release?
The film is currently in production, with the ongoing schedule taking place in Lucknow. The shoot is expected to continue until October.
The makers have not yet announced an official theatrical release date. Details regarding the final title, complete cast, first look and release plans are also awaited.
For now, the project remains one of Manoj Bajpayee’s most intriguing upcoming performances, particularly because it marks his first portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi.
FAQs
Who is playing Mahatma Gandhi in Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming film?
Manoj Bajpayee will portray Mahatma Gandhi for the first time in his career.
Who is directing the Gandhi film?
The film is being directed by Sudhir Mishra.
What is Sudhir Mishra’s Gandhi film about?
The film focuses on a crucial 21-day period from Gandhi’s later life around the time of India’s Independence.
Who else stars in the film?
The cast includes Divya Dutta and Saurabh Shukla, alongside Manoj Bajpayee.
Has the film started shooting?
Yes. The film has gone on floors in Lucknow, with the cast currently shooting an outdoor sequence.
