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Ketan Mehta & Sanjay Leela Bhansali Unite for Epic 'Jai Somnath' Film

Filmmakers Ketan Mehta and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are collaborating on the historical epic 'Jai Somnath,' which depicts Mahmud of Ghazni's 1026 attack on the Somnath Temple. The film marks the first cinematic exploration of this pivotal 1000-year-old event in Indian history. It promises to combine Mehta's bold historical storytelling with Bhansali's signature grand visual scale. The project is produced by Bhansali Productions and Maya Movies, with a planned release in 2027.

Key Points: Bhansali & Mehta's 'Jai Somnath' Film on 1000-Year-Old Saga

  • 1000-year-old historical event
  • First cinematic exploration
  • Collaboration of two master directors
  • Aims for authenticity & scale
  • Slated for 2027 release
2 min read

Ketan Mehta joins forces with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for 'Jai Somnath'

Filmmakers Ketan Mehta and Sanjay Leela Bhansali collaborate on 'Jai Somnath,' a historical epic about Mahmud of Ghazni's 1026 attack. Releasing 2027.

"Somnath symbolizes the indestructible spirit of India and the glory of Indian civilization. - Film Narrative"

Mumbai, Feb 15

National Award-winning filmmaker Ketan Mehta is set to direct the upcoming film 'Jai Somnath'. The filmmaker has joined forces with Indian auteur Sanjay Leela Bhansali to tell the historical story.

'Jai Somnath' traces back to 1025-1026 CE, when Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, a defining chapter in Indian history. This year marks 1000 years of the Ghazni attack and the destruction of the temple, and its subsequent resurrection. Somnath symbolizes the indestructible spirit of India and the glory of Indian civilization.

Given the deep emotional and cultural significance of this chapter, the film is expected to strike a strong chord with audiences as it revisits an important moment from India's past. Surprisingly, this subject has never been explored in cinema before, and it is now finally coming to life.

What makes Jai Somnath even more significant is the collaboration between Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a master storyteller celebrated for grand world-building and larger-than-life cinema, and Ketan Mehta, a visionary director known for bold storytelling, historical narratives, and socially relevant cinema with international appeal.

The film brings together depth and cinematic scale, promising a spectacular and immersive experience. With both filmmakers hailing from Gujarat, the project is also expected to bring authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.

'Jai Somnath' will be produced under the banners of Bhansali Productions and Maya Movies, with Ketan Mehta serving as writer and director. The film is slated for release in 2027.

Meanwhile, Ketan Mehta is returning to the fold after 'Freedom Radio'. He is known for parallel and historical cinema. He studied at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. His debut Bhavni Bhavai used folk theatre to comment on social inequality.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Exciting news! But I really hope they focus on the historical narrative and the spirit of resurrection, not just the spectacle. With Mehta involved, I'm hopeful for a nuanced take. The 1000-year mark makes it very timely.
R
Rohit P
Bhansali's sets and music combined with Mehta's storytelling? Take my money! 🎬 Hope they cast actors who can do justice to such an emotional subject. The fact that both are from Gujarat adds a layer of genuine connection.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves historical epics, this sounds fascinating. I'm not Indian, but I've visited Somnath Temple and was moved by its story. A film by these directors could be a powerful way for international audiences to understand this chapter.
V
Vikram M
A respectful note of caution: Historical films in India sometimes simplify complex narratives. I trust Ketan Mehta to handle this with the sensitivity it deserves. Let's hope it educates and inspires, without fueling unnecessary divisions.
K
Karthik V
2027 is too far! But good things take time. The combination is stellar - Bhansali for the jaw-dropping *mise-en-scène* and Mehta for the solid script. This could be our answer to big global historical dramas. Can't wait for the teaser!

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