Gandhi Makes History: First Indian Series at Toronto International Film Festival 2025

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian storytelling on the global stage, Gandhi has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian series ever selected for the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival 2025 Primetime slate.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta and starring Pratik Gandhi, this ambitious biographical series will have its world premiere at the 50th edition of TIFF, marking a revolutionary moment that bridges Indian cinema with international recognition at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals.

Historic Selection for TIFF’s 50th Anniversary

Breaking New Ground at TIFF

Gandhi has been selected as part of Toronto International Film Festival 2025’s carefully curated Primetime programme, making it the first Indian series ever to be featured at TIFF in its nearly five-decade-long history. This selection is particularly significant as it coincides with TIFF’s milestone 50th anniversary, running from September 4 through September 14, 2025.

Since its inception in 2015, TIFF Primetime has spotlighted auteur-driven series that push the boundaries of long-form storytelling. The programme has previously been home to distinguished series like Alfonso Cuarón’s “Disclaimer,” “All the Light We Cannot See” from Shawn Levy and Steven Knight, and Netflix’s first German series “Dark.” Gandhi now joins this elite roster, marking a major cultural milestone for Indian content on the international stage.

Director Hansal Mehta’s Vision

Hansal Mehta, who previously collaborated with Pratik Gandhi on the critically acclaimed “Scam 1992,” described Gandhi as “the most creatively challenging and soul-stirring journey” of his career. The director emphasized that the series is “not just a story from our past—it’s a meditation on conscience, a portrait of a man in constant conflict with himself and his times.”

Mehta expressed his honor at having the series premiere at TIFF, stating: “TIFF has previously been home to some of my most precious pieces of work, and to have perhaps the most ambitious story of my career premiering there is doubly special—particularly in TIFF’s 50th year.”

The Gandhi Series: A Fresh Perspective on an Icon

Reimagining the Mahatma

Gandhi is a sweeping, multi-season epic that reimagines the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, not as the revered icon the world remembers, but as the young, flawed, ambitious man the world has yet to meet. This approach offers audiences an intimate look at the formative years that shaped one of history’s most influential figures.

Season One (1888–1915) traces Gandhi’s early journey from a curious adolescent in colonial India, to an awkward law student in London, to the young barrister who would spend 23 transformative years in South Africa. This untold story of becoming focuses on the human aspects of Gandhi’s character development.

Literary Foundation

The series is adapted from the definitive biographies by renowned historian Ramachandra Guha: “Gandhi Before India” and “Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World.” This literary foundation ensures historical accuracy while providing rich source material for the dramatic narrative.

Star-Studded International Cast

Lead Performances

International Ensemble

The series features a remarkable international cast including Tom Felton (renowned for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series), alongside talented actors like Libby Mae, Molly Wright, Ralph Adeniyi, James Murray, Lyndon Alexander, Jonno Davies, and Simon Lennon. This diverse casting reflects the global nature of Gandhi’s story and his interactions across cultures.

Musical Excellence

The series features an original score by legendary composer A.R. Rahman, adding another layer of artistic excellence to the production. Rahman’s involvement underscores the project’s commitment to delivering a world-class viewing experience.

Production Excellence and Industry Recognition

Applause Entertainment’s Ambitious Project

Produced by Applause Entertainment under the leadership of Sameer Nair, Gandhi represents one of the most ambitious Indian productions in recent years. Nair described the TIFF selection as “both an honour and a moment of immense pride; not just for Applause, but for Indian storytelling.”

The producer emphasized the series’ unique approach: “Taking you up close and personal to the young Mohan way before he became the man history knows, this series is the culmination of deep research, creative development, and unwavering belief in the human story we wanted to tell.”

Research and Development

The series involved extensive collaboration with historian Ramachandra Guha and researcher Siddhartha Basu, ensuring historical authenticity while crafting compelling dramatic narratives. This meticulous approach to research distinguishes Gandhi from typical biographical productions.

TIFF 2025 Festival Details

Festival Schedule and Significance

Industry Impact and Global Reach

The Toronto International Film Festival attracts approximately 700,000 guests annually, more than 700 entertainment industry professionals, and showcases around 280 films as part of its Official Selection. Gandhi’s inclusion in this prestigious lineup provides unprecedented global exposure for Indian series content.

The festival’s international reach, combined with TIFF’s reputation as a launchpad for award-season campaigns, positions Gandhi for potential recognition at major international awards ceremonies.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Representation and Storytelling

Gandhi’s selection represents a watershed moment for Indian content creators seeking international recognition. The series demonstrates that Indian stories, when crafted with global sensibilities while maintaining cultural authenticity, can resonate with international audiences.

This achievement opens doors for future Indian series to find their place on the world stage, as Hansal Mehta expressed in his statement about hoping the series “opens the door for more Indian series to find their place on the world stage.”

Educational and Social Impact

The series’ focus on Gandhi’s formative years offers educational value, presenting historical events through a contemporary lens that makes them accessible to modern audiences. The international cast and production values ensure the story reaches beyond traditional Indian audience demographics.

Industry Response and Expectations

Critics and Industry Praise

The selection has been met with widespread acclaim from the Indian entertainment industry, with many viewing it as validation of the quality and global appeal of Indian content. The series’ inclusion in TIFF’s Primetime slate places it alongside the most prestigious international productions.

Commercial and Artistic Prospects

The TIFF premiere is expected to generate significant interest from international distributors and streaming platforms, potentially leading to wider global distribution deals. The festival exposure could also attract attention from international co-production partners for future seasons.

Future Implications for Indian Content

Setting Precedents

Gandhi’s historic selection establishes important precedents for Indian series content in international markets. It demonstrates that Indian productions can compete at the highest levels of international film and television festivals when they meet global production standards while maintaining cultural authenticity.

Industry Development

This achievement is likely to encourage increased investment in high-quality Indian series productions designed for international markets. It also validates the growing global appetite for diverse, culturally rich content that offers fresh perspectives on universal themes.

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