A moment of global recognition is unfolding for Indian storytelling as Hansal Mehta’s monumental series Gandhi secures a historic spot at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The show, headlined by the versatile Pratik Gandhi, is not only turning heads with its powerful first look but has officially become the first Indian series ever selected in TIFF’s esteemed Primetime slate.
For Indian content, this is not just a premiere - it’s a seismic moment.
Announced across social media platforms by Hansal Mehta and music maestro A.R. Rahman, the inclusion of Gandhi at TIFF marks a defining moment for long-form Indian storytelling. With its world premiere scheduled during the festival from September 4 to 14, 2025, the series joins an exclusive lineup of narrative television that showcases cinematic excellence from across the world.
In an emotionally resonant post, Hansal Mehta wrote: “Honored. Humbled. Grateful. The World Premiere of our absolute labour of love “Gandhi” at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival 2025, the first Indian series to be selected in TIFF’s very carefully curated Primetime slate! “
That revolution begins with a quiet image — Pratik Gandhi, hands folded, eyes steady, surrounded by a sea of white — a frame that captures the soul of a series that promises both intimacy and historical weight. Gandhi is based on Ramachandra Guha’s acclaimed biographies, Gandhi Before India and Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World, and aims to explore the Mahatma not just as a political icon, but as a deeply human figure shaped by complex experiences.
Rather than beginning with Gandhi the freedom fighter, Mehta’s lens focuses on the man in transformation — the youth navigating prejudice in South Africa, the student absorbing British ideals in London, the husband, the lawyer, the idealist — before he ever became a symbol. Returning to collaborate with Mehta after their award-winning series Scam 1992, Pratik Gandhi steps into the enormous responsibility of portraying Mahatma Gandhi, a role that demands both vulnerability and quiet conviction. His transformation is already being applauded based on the first visuals alone.
He is joined by Bhamini Oza as Kasturba Gandhi and an impressive international cast including Tom Felton, Libby Mae, Molly Wright, James Murray, and more — suggesting the global scope and cross-cultural storytelling the series is set to deliver. Adding further emotional gravitas is A.R. Rahman, whose musical compositions are expected to be the heartbeat of the series. Rahman confirmed the project’s selection at TIFF, calling it a “moment of pride” for Indian creators.
With Rahman’s involvement, Gandhi is expected to blend authenticity with soul-stirring music that captures both the era and the emotional landscapes of its characters. The series is expected to be released in three languages — Hindi, English, and Gujarati — ensuring it resonates with a broad audience while remaining rooted in its cultural context. More than four years in the making, Gandhi is not just a period drama — it’s an artistic reckoning with legacy, leadership, and the making of a moral conscience.
In the evolving landscape of Indian content, where series and films strive for both critical acclaim and global relevance, Gandhi has already taken a giant step forward. By entering the Primetime section of TIFF, Hansal Mehta and his team have not only shattered a ceiling — they’ve quietly redrawn the blueprint.
This isn’t just another series. This is a story of transformation — of a nation, of a man, and now, of Indian storytelling itself.
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