Months after reports of the highly anticipated Dadasaheb Phalke biopic, directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Aamir Khan, being on hold, new updates suggest that the film’s production has been delayed further. According to Mid-Day, the makers are currently working on a fresh draft of the script to align with both Aamir Khan’s and Rajkumar Hirani’s vision of the legendary filmmaker’s journey. Production is now expected to begin in late March 2026.

Script fine-tuning underway

The delay, it seems, is primarily due to script adjustments. The new draft aims to balance historical accuracy with a narrative that feels emotionally contemporary, ensuring that Dadasaheb Phalke’s story resonates with modern audiences while staying true to his legacy. 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 report added that the script draft is expected to be finalised by February, allowing the team to start filming in March. The makers want to ensure that the story incorporates both the gravity of Phalke’s contributions and the humour and emotional depth that Rajkumar Hirani’s films are known for.

Previous concerns about the script

Last year, Bollywood Hungama reported that Aamir Khan had read the initial script of the biopic, written by Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi, and felt that it lacked enough elements to make it suitable for a theatrical release. The source mentioned that Aamir expected the script to follow Hirani and Joshi’s signature style of blending comedy, emotion, and drama, but found that the comedy elements were insufficient. Consequently, he requested a rewrite, which reportedly came as a surprise to the writers. This decision has contributed to the current delay in the project.

About Dadasaheb Phalke

Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke, is revered as the father of Indian cinema. He directed India’s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913, laying the foundation for the country’s cinematic legacy. Some of his other notable works include Lanka Dahan, Shri Krishna Janma, and Kaliya Mardan. The biopic aims to trace his pioneering journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that shaped the Indian film industry.

Aamir Khan’s recent work

Fans last saw Aamir Khan on screen in RS Prasanna’s Sitaare Zameen Par, where he played a basketball coach mentoring ten differently-abled individuals. The film also featured Genelia D’Souza and newcomers Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. Written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, the film explored themes of inclusion, mentorship, and personal growth.

Expectations from the Phalke biopic

Given the stature of both the director and the actor, expectations around the Dadasaheb Phalke biopic are extremely high. Audiences are eager to see how Hirani, known for films like 3 Idiots, PK, and Sanju, will capture the life of a cinematic pioneer. The biopic is expected to combine historical insights with emotional storytelling, offering viewers both an informative and entertaining experience.

The collaboration with Aamir Khan, known for his meticulous approach to roles and projects, adds another layer of anticipation. Fans are particularly curious about how Khan will embody Phalke, a figure whose life was both challenging and inspirational, and whose contributions shaped the course of Indian cinema.

Timeline going forward

With the script expected to be finalized in February 2026, and filming tentatively slated for late March, the production team appears focused on taking the necessary time to perfect the narrative before shooting begins. Given Hirani’s attention to detail and Aamir Khan’s commitment to immersive preparation for his roles, the delay is being viewed as a step toward ensuring that the biopic does justice to Dadasaheb Phalke’s legacy.

In conclusion, while the Dadasaheb Phalke biopic has faced delays due to script revisions, the project is firmly back on track. With production set to commence in March and the team emphasizing a careful balance of historical accuracy, emotional resonance, and cinematic appeal, audiences can look forward to a compelling portrayal of the father of Indian cinema by one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed actors under the guidance of one of its most celebrated directors.