In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, few stories capture the imagination quite like a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, the visionary pioneer often hailed as the Father of Indian Film. SS Rajamouli, the mastermind behind global blockbusters like RRR and Baahubali, had fans buzzing when he announced Made in India back in 2023. This ambitious project, directed by National Award-winner Nitin Kakkar, promised to weave Phalke's groundbreaking journey—from his silent-era triumphs to igniting a cinematic revolution—into a pan-India spectacle. But as of late 2025, whispers from the industry suggest the film is facing significant hurdles, primarily due to scheduling clashes with its potential stars, Jr NTR and Prabhas. Let's dive into what this means for the project and beyond.

The Vision Behind Made in India: Honoring a Cinema Legend

Dadasaheb Phalke's legacy is etched in the very fabric of Bollywood and regional cinema alike. Born in 1870, Phalke directed India's first full-length feature, Raja Harishchandra in 1913, a silent mythological that drew massive crowds and laid the foundation for an industry now worth billions. Rajamouli's involvement as presenter, alongside his son SS Karthikeya and producer Varun Gupta, added layers of prestige. The script, honed through extensive research, aimed to spotlight not just Phalke's personal struggles—like financial woes and societal skepticism—but also the broader cultural movement he sparked.

Initially, Jr NTR was the frontrunner for the titular role, his intense screen presence making him a natural fit for portraying Phalke's fiery determination. Reports from mid-2025 indicated NTR had greenlit the script, excited by its fresh take on untold facets of Phalke's life. Yet, as pre-production ramped up, cracks appeared. NTR's calendar is a whirlwind: wrapping Devara 2 with Koratala Siva, followed by the high-octane Dragon under Prashanth Neel. These commitments, spanning the next two years, left no room for Made in India's demanding shoot.

Scheduling Snags: Why Prabhas Can't Step In Yet

With Jr NTR sidelined by dates, the team pivoted to another Telugu titan: Prabhas, the Baahubali star whose collaborations with Rajamouli have become folklore. Prabhas's rugged charisma seemed ideal for embodying Phalke's resilient spirit. However, his slate is equally unforgiving. He's deep into Spirit, Sandeep Reddy Vanga's gritty actioner set to roll later this year, before jumping into Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD Part 2. Insiders reveal Prabhas is booked solid through early 2026, turning what could have been a seamless recast into another roadblock.

These delays aren't uncommon in Tollywood's high-stakes ecosystem, where A-list actors juggle multiple mega-projects. For Made in India, though, the timing stings. The film was poised to release as a multilingual epic, blending emotional depth with Rajamouli's signature grandeur. Now, with no clear start date, momentum has fizzled, leaving crew and crew on standby.

Nitin Kakkar's Pivot: From Phalke to Awarapan 2

Director Nitin Kakkar, known for heartfelt gems like Filmistaan, finds himself at a crossroads. Rather than twiddle thumbs amid the uncertainty, he's channeled his energy into Awarapan 2, the sequel to the 2007 cult hit starring Emraan Hashmi. Currently filming in Thailand with Hashmi and Disha Patani, the project revives the gritty underworld thriller vibe that made the original a fan favorite. "Kakkar didn’t want to sit idle," a source close to the production shared, highlighting his pragmatic shift. This move not only keeps his creative juices flowing but also underscores the film's precarious status—Made in India is on the back burner, not shelved.

Family Objections and a Rival Biopic: Clouds Over the Horizon

Adding fuel to the fire, Phalke's grandson, Chandrashekhar Srikrishna Pusalkar, voiced strong reservations earlier this year. In an interview, he lamented that Rajamouli's team never consulted the family, questioning the authenticity of a project delving into such personal history. "If someone is making a film on Phalke ji, then at least the family should be talked to," Pusalkar urged, echoing broader concerns about biopics bypassing real voices.

This controversy coincides with another Phalke project: Aamir Khan's untitled biopic, helmed by Rajkumar Hirani. Backed by the family and focusing on Phalke's intimate struggles, it's already in advanced stages, with shooting slated for late 2025. Will Rajamouli's vision—more epic and movement-oriented—find its footing, or will it fade into development purgatory?

What's Next for Made in India and Indian Cinema?

As Made in India navigates these choppy waters, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic ambition and logistical realities. Rajamouli's track record suggests resilience; perhaps a recast or reshuffle is on the cards once Prabhas or NTR frees up. For now, fans of biographical dramas will have to content themselves with Hirani's offering. In an industry thriving on stories of pioneers, Phalke's tale deserves multiple tellings—delays be damned. One can only hope Made in India emerges stronger, ready to light up screens and honor the man who first dreamed of cinema in the subcontinent.

Read Also: Creative Force Unleased: Anil Kapoor’s Tribute to Karan Boolani Defines Modern Bollywood Partnership

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