Dharma Productions Announces Biopic on C. Sankaran Nair Starring Akshay Kumar and Ananya Panday

In an exciting announcement for cinephiles, Dharma Productions revealed their upcoming biographical film centered on the illustrious lawyer and statesman C. Sankaran Nair. This project, titled “Shankara,” will feature prominent Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Ananya Panday in key roles. The film is slated for release in theaters on March 14, 2025.

The narrative focuses on C. Sankaran Nair’s pivotal courtroom battle against the British Empire concerning the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Akshay Kumar is set to portray Nair, illustrating his struggles and efforts to seek justice during this turbulent period in Indian history. Ananya Panday will take on the role of a budding lawyer under the tutelage of Kumar’s character, establishing a mentor-protégé relationship devoid of romantic undertones.

The project is helmed by Karan Singh Tyagi, marking his directorial debut. The film is expected to delve deeply into the historical and legal intricacies that characterized Nair’s fight against colonial rule, offering audiences an intriguing blend of drama and history.

Karan Johar expressed his enthusiasm in supporting the project, stating, “I am extremely excited and honored to support a film that will unveil the legendary courtroom battle fought by Sankaran Nair against the British Raj, revealing the truth about the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Sankaran Nair’s courage ignited the freedom struggle nationwide and stands as a testament to the power of fighting for truth.”

The production team has concluded significant portions of filming across numerous historically significant locations, including the Red Fort and Sundar Nursery in Delhi, as well as the Rewari district in Haryana.

Alongside Kumar and Panday, actor R Madhavan is also part of the ensemble cast. This film marks another collaboration with Dharma Productions for Akshay Kumar, who has several upcoming projects, including “Housefull 5,” “Jolly LLB 3,” and “Sky Force.”

“Shankara” draws inspiration from real-life events and is adapted from a book authored by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, who are directly related to C. Sankaran Nair. The book provides an in-depth exploration of Nair’s monumental legal battle and his significant contributions to India’s struggle for independence. The film is anticipated to be a gripping courtroom drama, adding depth to the cinematic portrayal of one of India’s eminent legal figures.