Plans for the long-awaited Dadasaheb Phalke biopic starring Aamir Khan and directed by Rajkumar Hirani have been adjusted. What was once expected to roll cameras in January 2026 will now likely begin shooting in late March 2026, as the creative team takes extra time to refine the script.
Why the delay?
Insiders say Hirani and Aamir decided to pause the original schedule to work on a fresh draft that better captures Dhundiraj Govind Phalke’s life—balancing historical truth with emotional accessibility. The filmmakers want a screenplay that feels contemporary in tone while remaining respectful to Phalke’s legacy as the Father of Indian cinema.
A source told Mid-Day, “Hirani and Aamir agree that the film must feel emotionally contemporary while staying rooted in history. The rewrite is to fine-tune the balance of humour and sincerity. They want to ensure that the character arc captures Phalke’s stature. The draft will likely be finalised by February, and production will begin in late March.”
Perfectionism at the helm
This is not surprising given the reputations of the duo. Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani reunited for this high-profile project after their hugely successful collaborations—3 Idiots and PK. But sources had earlier indicated both were unhappy with earlier drafts, feeling they lacked the emotional warmth and humour expected from the pairing.
One industry insider told Bollywood Hungama that the earlier script read “too dry” for today’s audiences and needed more humour without compromising the biopic’s seriousness. After multiple rewrite sessions, the team opted to delay production rather than rush a version that didn’t meet their standards.
What the team is focusing on
- Rewriting the script to strike a careful balance between humour and sincerity
- Ensuring historical authenticity while making the story relatable to modern viewers
- Finalising the new draft by February, according to sources
Where this leaves Aamir and the film’s timeline
With the screenplay overhaul underway, production is now expected to commence in late March 2026. The extra months will give the creative team time to fine-tune character arcs and the film’s tonal texture so the biopic does justice to Dadasaheb Phalke’s towering place in Indian cinema.
Aamir’s other plans
Meanwhile, Aamir Khan is being selective about his upcoming projects. Sources say he is reading at least 20 scripts and plans to announce his next film in the first quarter of 2026. For now, he is focused on promoting his near-term release, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, directed by Vir Das, which is slated to hit screens on January 16, 2026.
What to expect next
If the new draft is completed as planned, pre-production will pick up pace and cameras should roll from late March. Fans and the industry will be watching closely—both because of the subject’s historic stature and because Aamir-Hirani projects come with high expectations for storytelling that blends heart, humour and insight.
