Mumbai, February 15 – Award-winning filmmaker Ketan Mehta is set to direct the upcoming film, "Jai Somnath." The filmmaker has partnered with acclaimed Indian auteur Sanjay Leela Bhansali to tell this historical story.
"Jai Somnath" takes place in 1025-1026 CE, when Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, a pivotal moment in Indian history. This year marks the 1000th anniversary of the attack and the temple's destruction, as well as its subsequent reconstruction. Somnath symbolizes the indomitable spirit of India and the glory of Indian civilization.
Given the profound emotional and cultural significance of this story, the film is expected to resonate deeply with audiences as it revisits a crucial moment in India's past. Remarkably, this subject has never been explored in cinema before, and it is finally coming to life.
What makes "Jai Somnath" even more significant is the collaboration between Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a master storyteller renowned for his grand world-building and large-scale cinema, and Ketan Mehta, a visionary director known for his bold storytelling, historical narratives, and socially relevant films with international appeal.
The film combines depth and cinematic scale, promising a spectacular and immersive experience. Given that both filmmakers hail from Gujarat, the project is also expected to bring authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.
"Jai Somnath" will be produced by Bhansali Productions and Maya Movies, with Ketan Mehta serving as writer and director. The film is scheduled for release in 2027.
Meanwhile, Ketan Mehta is returning to filmmaking after "Freedom Radio." He is known for his work in both parallel and historical cinema. He studied at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. His debut film, "Bhavni Bhavai," used folk theatre to comment on social inequality.