Baahubali star Tamannaah Bhatia has been cast as accomplished actor Jayashree in the highly anticipated biographical drama V. Shantaram, joining Siddhant Chaturvedi in chronicling the extraordinary life and cinematic legacy of one of Indian cinema’s most pioneering filmmakers. The makers unveiled a stunning first-look poster on December 9, 2025, showcasing Tamannaah Bhatia draped in a pink Nauvari saree that instantly transports viewers to the vintage golden era of Indian cinema, evoking the timeless elegance and grace that defined Jayashree’s illustrious career.
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Tamannaah Bhatia’s Transformation as Jayashree
The first-look poster presents Tamannaah Bhatia in a captivating avatar that pays tribute to Jayashree’s classic charm and artistic brilliance. Styled in traditional vintage fashion with a soft pink saree and poised expression, the poster reflects the accomplished actress’s celebrated screen presence from mid-20th century Indian cinema. The visual aesthetic immediately establishes the film’s commitment to authenticity and period detail, signaling a meticulous recreation of an era that transformed Indian filmmaking forever.
Sharing the poster with fans, the caption read: “The star of an era, the strength behind a legacy, a chapter returning to history,” perfectly encapsulating Jayashree’s dual role as both a talented performer in her own right and the supportive force behind V. Shantaram’s visionary work. The casting announcement has generated significant excitement among cinema enthusiasts who recognize both the historical importance of the subject matter and Tamannaah Bhatia’s proven versatility as an actor.
Who Was Jayashree?
Jayashree was an accomplished actor who made her mark across Hindi, Marathi, and regional films during a transformative era in Indian cinema. She was highly acclaimed for her work in unforgettable films including Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, Shakuntala, Chandra Rao More, and Dahej, showcasing exceptional range and artistic depth that earned her recognition as one of the era’s most talented performers. Her filmography represents some of the most significant works from Indian cinema’s golden age, films that explored progressive themes and pushed artistic boundaries.
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Jayashree married V. Shantaram in 1941, becoming his second wife and a key figure in his personal and professional journey. The couple had three children: actor Rajshree Shantaram, filmmaker Kiran Shantaram (who later served as Sheriff of Bombay), and Tejashree. Jayashree featured prominently in films produced under Shantaram’s prestigious banners, contributing her considerable talent to his visionary projects and helping shape the artistic direction of some of his most celebrated works.
Their marriage, which lasted until 1956, represented a significant chapter in both their lives. After their separation, Jayashree continued acting independently in notable projects including Mehndi (1958) and Apna Paraya, demonstrating her resilience and continued commitment to her craft. She remained connected to the Indian film industry until her later years, passing away on October 19, 2004, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to Indian cinema’s formative decades.
Tamannaah Bhatia on Portraying a Cinema Legend
Expressing her gratitude and sense of responsibility about the role, Tamannaah Bhatia stated that it’s a great responsibility to portray a character rooted in one of the most influential eras of Indian cinema. She emphasized feeling immensely honored to bring to life Jayashree, noting that she has been part of such legendary projects and the amount of grace she had was surreal. The actor acknowledged that stepping into a character from such a crucial chapter of Indian cinema pushed her to understand Shantaram’s world more deeply.
Tamannaah Bhatia continued by noting that Shantaram built a legacy that continues to shape generations, and decoding his universe has allowed her to witness the brilliance of the man behind the legend. She described bringing a piece of that legacy to the screen as truly a special feeling, expressing thankfulness to the makers of V. Shantaram for seeing her as Jayashree. Her comments reveal the extensive research and preparation undertaken to authentically portray this significant historical figure.
The makers of the V. Shantaram biopic also expressed confidence in Tamannaah Bhatia’s ability to embody Jayashree’s essence. They stated that this will be Tamannaah’s most ambitious film of recent times, noting that with her past work, she has proven she can pull off any kind of role. They highlighted her exceptionally charismatic screen presence, with an elegance that brings back the charm of legendary actors from cinema’s golden era. Given her ability to handle varied kinds of roles, the producers expressed certainty that she will bring grace and depth to this coveted role in what they describe as a legendary film in the making that aspires to honor a monumental legacy.
The V. Shantaram Biopic: Chronicling a Cinema Pioneer
The film titled V. Shantaram is a historical biographical drama that honors the life, spirit, and cinematic uprising sparked by one of India’s most visionary storytellers. The biographical drama traces V. Shantaram’s remarkable journey from the silent era through his emergence as one of the most influential auteurs in Indian cinematic history, capturing both his professional triumphs and personal struggles that shaped his legendary career.
V. Shantaram, born Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre in 1901, was a pioneering force in Indian cinema whose career spanned nearly seven decades. Despite being born in abject poverty in Kolhapur, he learned filmmaking under Baburao Painter in Pune, demonstrating the determination and talent that would define his entire career. He founded two major film studios that became pillars of Indian cinema: Prabhat Film Company in 1929 and Rajkamal Kalamandir in 1942. These institutions played monumental roles in shaping early Indian cinema, nurturing talent, and expanding the language of cinematic storytelling.
Shantaram directed the first Marathi-language talkie, Ayodhyecha Raja, in 1932, marking a watershed moment in regional Indian cinema. His body of work includes groundbreaking films such as Duniya Na Mane (1937), Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957), and Navrang (1959). These films were often celebrated for their progressive themes, technical innovation, and artistic excellence. His rebellious spirit against colonial-era censorship and his persistent push for cinematic evolution make him a compelling subject for biographical treatment.
V. Shantaram’s work earned global acclaim, most notably winning the prestigious Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival for Do Aankhen Barah Haath in 1957. His films explored social issues, championed women’s rights, and challenged societal norms with a sophistication and artistry that influenced generations of Indian filmmakers. The biographical drama promises to chronicle not just his extraordinary professional achievements but also the personal battles, artistic revolutions, and relationships—including his marriage to Jayashree—that shaped his enduring legacy.
Siddhant Chaturvedi as V. Shantaram
The V. Shantaram biopic stars Siddhant Chaturvedi in the title role of the legendary filmmaker, with his first-look poster unveiled prior to Tamannaah Bhatia’s casting announcement. The poster showed Chaturvedi walking alongside a bicycle on a wide road, dressed in a simple white kurta-pajama with a red scarf draped over his shoulder, capturing the humble yet determined spirit of the cinema pioneer.
Siddhant Chaturvedi expressed that portraying V. Shantaram-ji is one of the greatest honors of his life. The actor admitted that learning about Shantaram’s journey left him humbled and deeply inspired, acknowledging the immense responsibility of bringing such an iconic figure to life on screen. The casting of both Chaturvedi and Tamannaah Bhatia signals the film’s ambition to attract contemporary audiences while maintaining historical authenticity and respect for the subjects being portrayed.
Production Details and Creative Team
Written and directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande, V. Shantaram is presented by Rajkamal Entertainment, Camera Take Films, and Roaring Rivers Productions. The film is produced by Rahul Kiran Shantaram (V. Shantaram’s grandson), Subhash Kale, and Sarita Ashwin Varde. The involvement of V. Shantaram’s family in the production ensures authentic representation of the filmmaker’s life story and access to personal archives and firsthand accounts that will enrich the biographical narrative.
The biographical drama explores how V. Shantaram revolutionized Indian cinema through his innovative storytelling techniques, progressive social themes, and technical mastery. The film examines his role in establishing production houses that became training grounds for countless Indian film talents, his battles with censorship authorities who sought to suppress his bold artistic vision, and his personal relationships that both inspired and complicated his creative output.
With its powerful story, stellar casting, and commitment to honoring V. Shantaram’s monumental contributions to Indian cinema, the biographical drama promises to be an inspiring cinematic journey. The addition of Tamannaah Bhatia as Jayashree adds emotional depth and star power to the project, ensuring that the story of one of India’s greatest filmmakers and the accomplished actress who stood beside him will reach audiences across generations. The film’s release will introduce contemporary viewers to an era of Indian cinema that laid the foundation for the thriving industry that exists today, celebrating the pioneers who dared to dream big despite limited resources and significant obstacles.
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FAQs
Who is Tamannaah Bhatia playing in the V. Shantaram biopic?
Tamannaah Bhatia is playing Jayashree, an accomplished actress from Indian cinema’s golden era known for films like Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, Shakuntala, Chandra Rao More, and Dahej. Jayashree was also V. Shantaram’s second wife and a key figure in his cinematic journey from 1941 to 1956.
Who is directing the V. Shantaram biopic?
The V. Shantaram biopic is written and directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande. The film is presented by Rajkamal Entertainment, Camera Take Films, and Roaring Rivers Productions, with producers including Rahul Kiran Shantaram (V. Shantaram’s grandson), Subhash Kale, and Sarita Ashwin Varde.
Who plays V. Shantaram in the biopic?
Siddhant Chaturvedi plays the legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram in the biographical drama. His first-look poster was unveiled showing him in a simple white kurta-pajama with a red scarf, capturing the humble spirit of the cinema pioneer who revolutionized Indian filmmaking.
What films was Jayashree known for?
Jayashree was an accomplished actress acclaimed for her work in films including Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, Shakuntala, Chandra Rao More, Dahej, Mehndi (1958), and Apna Paraya. She featured prominently in films produced under V. Shantaram’s banners during their marriage from 1941 to 1956.
What is the V. Shantaram biopic about?
The V. Shantaram biopic is a historical biographical drama chronicling the pioneering filmmaker’s journey from the silent era through his emergence as one of Indian cinema’s most influential auteurs. It explores his founding of Prabhat Film Company and Rajkamal Kalamandir, his progressive films, battles with censorship, and personal relationships including his marriage to Jayashree.
