Manoj Bajpayee looks unrecognisable as Mahatma Gandhi in Sudhir Mishra's next

Manoj Bajpayee is set to play Mahatma Gandhi on screen for the first time, and his first look from the upcoming historical drama has already sparked curiosity. The actor appears almost unrecognisable in the newly released images, dressed in Gandhi’s trademark white attire and carrying a walking stick.

The film is directed by Sudhir Mishra and produced by Anubhav Sinha and Narendra Hirawat. It is based on a crucial, lesser-known 21-day chapter from India’s independence history. Bajpayee’s transformation into Gandhi offers the first glimpse of the actor’s take on one of the most recognisable figures in Indian history.

In the first-look images, Bajpayee is seen portraying Gandhi during what appears to be a public gathering, surrounded by people dressed in period-appropriate clothing. The actor has undergone a striking physical transformation, with the bald head, round glasses, white dhoti and shawl recreating Gandhi’s familiar appearance.

The images have also drawn attention to Bajpayee’s mannerisms and body language, with the actor seemingly adopting Gandhi’s distinctive physicality rather than relying only on the costume and prosthetics.

The project brings together two veteran filmmakers, Sudhir Mishra and Anubhav Sinha. Sinha, who is producing the film under his banner A Benaras Mediaworks, is known for films including Mulk, Article 15 and Thappad. Mishra, meanwhile, has directed acclaimed films such as Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Dharavi and is nearing four decades in the industry.

The film also stars Saurabh Shukla in a key role. While details about the story are being kept under wraps, the narrative is set against a significant period in India's freedom struggle and focusses on the human and emotional dimensions of the historical events.

For Bajpayee, the role marks a new challenge in a career that has seen him portray a wide range of characters across films and series. His first look as Gandhi has now given audiences their first glimpse of what to expect from the performance.

The film is directed by Sudhir Mishra and presented by NH Studioz. It is produced by Anubhav Sinha and Narendra Hirawat under A Benaras Mediaworks.