Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia has officially come on board the upcoming biographical drama V. Shantaram, set to portray the legendary filmmaker’s second wife – veteran actress Jayashree. The announcement, shared on December 9, 2025, was accompanied by the unveiling of her first-look poster.
In the poster, Tamannaah appears draped in a pink Nauvari saree, evoking the vintage charm of the golden era of Indian cinema. The look has drawn widespread acclaim, with fans praising her graceful, timeless appearance and eagerly awaiting the film.
Significance of the Role
Jayashree was a celebrated actress in her time, known for her work in films such as Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani (1946), Shakuntala (1943), Chandra Rao More, and Dahej (1950). The biopic aims to recreate the milieu of early- and mid-20th-century cinema, capturing both the professional achievements and personal life of iconic filmmaker V. Shantaram and, by extension, the significance of Jayashree’s partnership and influence.
For Tamannaah, the role carries a deep sense of responsibility. She has remarked that portraying Jayashree, an artist from one of the most influential eras in Indian cinema, is a great honour. She expressed gratitude to the filmmakers for entrusting her with the opportunity, calling Jayashree’s grace “surreal.”
About the Film
V. Shantaram is being produced by Rajkamal Entertainment, Camera Take Films, and Roaring Rivers Production. The producers include Rahul Kiran Shantaram, Subhash Kale, and Sarita Ashwin Varde. The film is directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande, marking a significant endeavor to pay tribute to the legacy of one of Indian cinema’s most pioneering figures.
Previously, the team announced that actor Siddhant Chaturvedi will portray V. Shantaram himself. Given the depth of Shantaram’s influence – as a filmmaker, social reformer, and creative visionary—the film is being anticipated as a major cinematic tribute.
Reception and Buzz
The response to the poster and cast announcement has been enthusiastic. Fans and media alike have praised the look for its elegance and authenticity. The vintage-era styling, combined with the evocative portrayal, has struck a chord, generating excitement over the biopic’s potential to evoke nostalgia and pay homage to a bygone cinematic era.
Industry watchers view the casting of Tamannaah, primarily known for contemporary mainstream cinema, as a bold yet fitting choice. Her ability to adapt to a historical character signals her versatility and willingness to explore challenging roles.
What’s Next
With the casting of both leads now confirmed and the promotional campaign underway, all eyes are on further announcements: supporting cast reveal, shooting schedule, and eventual release window. The film promises to traverse the life of V. Shantaram from the silent-film era through his revolutionary contributions to Indian cinema while spotlighting the woman by his side, Jayashree.
If executed with the sensitivity and depth the subject demands, V. Shantaram could emerge as a heartfelt tribute to an era that shaped Indian film and to the artists who stood behind, beside, and beyond the cameras.
By – Sonali