Gashmeer Mahajani is all set to add a new title to his creative résumé, and this time, he will be calling the shots from behind the camera. The popular Marathi actor is making his directorial debut with Rakhandaar, an upcoming Marathi film that has just unveiled its striking first poster and is scheduled to arrive in cinemas in 2027.
Produced under the banner of Pancharatna Films P Ltd, Rakhandaar marks a significant new chapter for Gashmeer, who has already established himself as a versatile performer across Marathi cinema and television. Stepping into the director's chair now gives him an opportunity to bring his own storytelling sensibility to the big screen, with the first poster suggesting that the film could be rooted in powerful emotions and larger-than-life characters.
The poster is certainly designed to make people stop and look. It features a muscular lion-headed figure against a striking red, splattered backdrop, immediately creating an atmosphere of power, aggression and mystery. Adding an emotional twist to the ferocious imagery is the Marathi line, “My favourite animal – My father,” hinting that beneath the film's intense exterior could lie a deeply personal story revolving around family, fatherhood and an unusual bond.
Gashmeer will not only direct Rakhandaar but will also play a key role in the film. Joining him are two of Marathi cinema's most recognisable performers, Sai Tamhankar and Makarand Anaspure. The combination of these three actors already gives the project considerable curiosity, particularly with Gashmeer balancing his responsibilities in front of and behind the camera.
For Gashmeer, the move into direction represents more than a career experiment. Actors who make the transition behind the camera often bring an intimate understanding of performance, character and storytelling to their films, and Rakhandaar could provide him with the space to combine everything he has learned as a performer with his own directorial vision.
The film's title itself adds to the intrigue. “Rakhandaar” evokes the idea of a protector or guardian, making the poster's father reference even more interesting. Whether the lion imagery represents a specific character, a metaphor or the emotional core of the story remains under wraps for now, but the makers have clearly chosen a visual identity that promises intensity.
With Pancharatna Films backing the project and a strong ensemble at its centre, Rakhandaar is shaping up as an interesting addition to the Marathi film slate. The makers have kept the plot details closely guarded, allowing the first poster to do the talking while building anticipation for more announcements.
As Gashmeer Mahajani prepares to make his directorial debut, Rakhandaar arrives with a simple but intriguing promise—a story where strength, family and protection could be deeply intertwined. The film is scheduled to release in theatres in 2027, and the first poster has certainly ensured that Gashmeer's first outing behind the camera already has audiences curious about what he has created.