Gandhi Series Makes History At TIFF: Pratik Gandhi Leads India’s First-Ever Entry In Primetime Slate

India’s storytelling legacy is set to reach new global heights as Hansal Mehta’s much-anticipated series Gandhi, starring Pratik Gandhi, prepares for its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) from September 4 to 14, 2025. This marks the first time an Indian series has been selected for TIFF’s prestigious Primetime slate, a segment dedicated to long-form cinematic storytelling. The series, produced by Applause Entertainment, reimagines the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi through a deeply personal lens, spanning three seasons and decades of transformation.

 

A Landmark Moment For Indian Content

- Actor Pratik Gandhi described the selection as a proud moment for the entire country, emphasizing that the series was made in India for a global audience  

- The show’s inclusion in TIFF’s Primetime slate places it alongside acclaimed international series such as The Crown and Disclaimer, highlighting India’s growing influence in global entertainment  

- Director Hansal Mehta called the premiere an audacious dream realized, reflecting years of creative development and historical research  

 

Narrative Scope And Historical Depth

- Season one, titled Mohan to Mahatma, covers Gandhi’s formative years from 1888 to 1915, including his time in London and South Africa  

- The series draws from Ramachandra Guha’s seminal works Gandhi Before India and Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World  

- Future seasons will explore Gandhi’s evolution from 1915 to 1932 and then 1932 to 1947, offering a comprehensive portrayal of his journey  

 

Cast And Creative Team

- Pratik Gandhi plays the titular role, bringing emotional nuance and depth to the young Gandhi  

- Bhamini Oza Gandhi, Pratik’s real-life wife, portrays Kasturba Gandhi, adding authenticity to the on-screen chemistry  

- Tom Felton, known for his role in the Harry Potter franchise, plays Josiah Oldfield, Gandhi’s vegetarian companion in London  

- The series features music by AR Rahman and writing contributions from Vaibhav Vishal, Karan Vyas, and others, with script guidance from Siddhartha Basu and Ramachandra Guha  

 

Production Design And Global Appeal

- The show’s production spans colonial India, Victorian London, and apartheid-era South Africa, with meticulous attention to historical detail  

- Costume design by Pia Benegal and cinematography by Pratham Mehta elevate the visual storytelling  

- Casting was handled by Mukesh Chhabra in India and Shakyra Dowling internationally, ensuring a diverse and compelling ensemble  

 

Personal Reflections From Pratik Gandhi

- Pratik shared that growing up with the surname Gandhi was often a source of teasing, but later became a profound connection to the role  

- He performed over 500 shows of the Gujarati play Mohan No Masalo, unknowingly preparing for this career-defining portrayal  

- The actor hopes the series will resonate across generations by highlighting Gandhi’s human qualities, not just his political legacy  

 

TIFF Screenings And Release Timeline

- Gandhi will be screened at TIFF Lightbox and Scotiabank theatres on September 6, 7, and 13  

- The series is expected to release globally by December 2025, following its festival debut  

- Key members of the team, including Hansal Mehta, Sameer Nair, and the lead cast, will attend the premiere in Toronto  

 

Conclusion

The premiere of Gandhi at TIFF 2025 marks a watershed moment for Indian long-form storytelling on the global stage. With its rich narrative, stellar cast, and cinematic ambition, the series promises to redefine how the world sees Gandhi—not just as a historical icon, but as a man in the making. As Pratik Gandhi steps into this transformative role, India steps into a new era of cultural representation.

 

Sources: Telegraph India, India Today, Firstpost, News18, TIFFR, MSN Entertainment.