The much-anticipated biographical drama on Indian cinema legend V. Shantaram continues to gather momentum with another major casting announcement. After confirming Siddhant Chaturvedi in the role of the visionary filmmaker, the makers have now revealed Tamannaah Bhatia as part of the cast — stepping into the role of the accomplished actress Jayashree, who was also V. Shantaram’s second wife.
Tamannaah’s First Look as Jayashree Unveiled
The makers released a striking poster introducing Tamannaah as Jayashree, instantly transporting viewers to Indian cinema’s vintage era. Draped in a pink Nauvari saree, she exudes elegance, poise, and the old-world charm that Jayashree was celebrated for.
Jayashree, remembered for her impactful performances in films such as Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, Shakuntala, Chandra Rao More, and Dahej, was not just a prominent actress of her time but also an important figure in Shantaram’s personal and creative world. Tamannaah’s casting promises a layered portrayal of this celebrated artiste.
A Tribute to a Pioneer: About the Film
Titled V. Shantaram, the film is a grand historical biopic chronicling the extraordinary journey of the filmmaker who reshaped Indian cinema through bold storytelling, social realism, and visual innovation. Often described as the original rebel of Indian cinema, Shantaram revolutionised filmmaking during an era when the medium was still finding its form.
The film explores:
- His early life in extreme poverty in Kolhapur
- His foundational years learning filmmaking under Baburao Painter in Pune
- His rise through the silent era
- His transformation into one of India’s most influential auteurs
With acclaimed works like Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955) and Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957), V. Shantaram helped shape the artistic and social voice of Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Tamannaah on Portraying Jayashree
Speaking about her role, Tamannaah said:
“It’s a great responsibility to portray a character rooted in one of the most influential eras of our cinema. I feel immensely honoured to bring to life Jayashree, who was part of such legendary projects. The grace she carried was surreal. 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 special, and I am thankful to the makers for seeing me as Jayashree.”
Makers Praise Tamannaah’s Casting
According to the creative team, Tamannaah fits the role not just for her acting range but also for her classic screen presence:
“This will be one of Tamannaah’s most ambitious films in recent times. She has proven her versatility across genres, and her elegance reflects the charm of legendary actresses from cinema’s golden age. We are confident she will bring depth and grace to this coveted role as we honour a monumental legacy.”
Jay-Ho Scoop
With Siddhant Chaturvedi leading as V. Shantaram and Tamannaah Bhatia portraying Jayashree, the biopic is shaping up to be one of the most compelling cinematic projects in the making. As the film aims to revive the world of early Indian cinema and celebrate one of its greatest visionaries, audiences can expect a deeply emotional, visually rich, and historically significant experience.
