Filmmaker Hansal Mehta shared his thoughts on the premiere of his upcoming series Gandhi at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The project has made history as the first Indian series to be featured in TIFF’s prestigious Primetime segment. Calling the moment “historic and humbling,” Mehta expressed his pride in seeing Indian storytelling gain global recognition. “It feels like a breakthrough—not just for this series, but for Indian storytelling on the world stage,” he told Hindustan Times.
“Historic and Humbling”: Hansal Mehta reacts to Gandhi becoming first Indian series at TIFF primetime
Gandhi, which will explore Mahatma Gandhi’s early years, features a diverse and thoughtfully chosen ensemble cast. Speaking about the casting process, Mehta said the focus was on finding actors who could convey authenticity rather than just physical similarity. “Pratik Gandhi, who plays the lead role, brought not only his skill but also the patience and discipline the character required,” Mehta shared. “Bhamini Oza, as Kasturba, portrayed her with a rare combination of strength and vulnerability.”
The series also includes British actor Tom Felton, known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. Mehta said Felton’s casting added a broader appeal to the story. “Working with Tom added a layer of diversity and universality. My aim was always to build a believable world through the ensemble rather than have each actor stand out individually.” While the filmmaker celebrated the global premiere of what he called his “most personal” work, the journey to TIFF had its challenges. Mehta had previously shared on social media that his team faced visa delays ahead of the event.
Reflecting on the situation, he told the publication, “When you’re racing against time with a special project like this, every bit of uncertainty feels intense. But looking back, just making it to Toronto felt like a small victory. It made our arrival all the more meaningful.” Gandhi marks another ambitious step in Hansal Mehta’s evolving body of work, bringing Indian history to an international audience with depth, nuance, and a global perspective.
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