National Award-winning filmmaker Ketan Mehta is teaming up with renowned Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali to helm the upcoming movie ‘Jai Somnath’. The film delves into the historical narrative of the 1025–1026 CE attack on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni, a pivotal event in Indian history. This year commemorates the 1000th anniversary of the temple’s destruction and subsequent revival, symbolizing India’s enduring spirit and cultural heritage.
‘Jai Somnath’ is poised to resonate deeply with viewers due to its emotional and cultural significance, shedding light on a crucial episode from India’s past that has not been explored in cinema before. The collaboration between Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his grand storytelling, and Ketan Mehta, recognized for his bold historical narratives, promises a compelling cinematic experience. Both directors, originating from Gujarat, aim to infuse authenticity and emotional richness into the film’s narrative.
The movie, produced by Bhansali Productions and Maya Movies, will be written and directed by Ketan Mehta, with a scheduled release in 2027. Ketan Mehta, acclaimed for his work in parallel and historical cinema, is making a comeback after ‘Freedom Radio’. A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, Mehta’s debut film ‘Bhavni Bhavai’ creatively addressed social disparities using folk theatre.
