Image Source: MSN
In a moment of cinematic pride for India, filmmaker Hansal Mehta’s ambitious series Gandhi received a thunderous standing ovation at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking a triumphant debut on the global stage. The premiere, held on September 9, 2025, was attended by an international audience that responded with overwhelming applause, signaling the series’ emotional and historical resonance far beyond Indian borders.
Starring Pratik Gandhi in the titular role, the series chronicles the formative years of Mahatma Gandhi—from his youth in colonial India to his transformative experiences in London and South Africa. The first season, which spans the years 1888 to 1915, is based on Ramachandra Guha’s acclaimed biographies Gandhi Before India and Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World. Produced by Applause Entertainment, the series is planned as a three-season epic, with each installment exploring a distinct phase of Gandhi’s life and philosophy.
A Standing Ovation That Echoed Across Cultures
The TIFF premiere was more than just a screening—it was a celebration of storytelling, history, and artistic excellence. As the final credits rolled, the audience rose in unison, applauding the cast and crew for nearly five minutes. Actor Pratik Gandhi, visibly moved, shared his gratitude on Instagram:
“A very special day when Gandhi premiered at #TIFF50. Grateful and blessed to be here with the amazingly passionate team, beautiful audience, and overwhelming response with a standing ovation. The joy in the air and that smile on all our faces—unforgettable.”
This moment was especially poignant for Pratik, who previously gained acclaim for his role in Scam 1992. His portrayal of Gandhi has already drawn praise for its depth, restraint, and emotional authenticity. Joining him on screen are Bhamini Oza (as Kasturba Gandhi), veteran actor Kabir Bedi, and British actor Tom Felton, best known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series.
Felton, who plays Josiah Oldfield—a close associate of Gandhi during his London years—also expressed his admiration for the project, calling Pratik his “brother in arms” and describing the premiere as “an honour”.
Crafting Gandhi for a New Generation
Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi is not a conventional biopic. It’s a layered, character-driven narrative that seeks to humanize the Mahatma, exploring his vulnerabilities, relationships, and ideological evolution. The series delves into Gandhi’s early struggles with identity, his exposure to Western thought, and his awakening to racial injustice in South Africa.
Adding emotional depth to the series is a stirring original score by A.R. Rahman, whose compositions elevate the historical gravitas of the narrative. The cinematography, production design, and costume work reflect meticulous research and a commitment to authenticity.
Mehta, known for his socially conscious storytelling, has described the series as “a personal journey into the soul of a man who changed the world.” He emphasized that Gandhi is not just about politics, but about empathy, transformation, and the power of non-violence.
A Win for Indian Storytelling
The standing ovation at TIFF is a landmark moment for Indian content creators. It marks the first time an Indian series has premiered at the prestigious festival, traditionally dominated by feature films. The reception signals a growing appetite for nuanced, globally relevant stories from India.
Applause Entertainment CEO Sameer Nair called the response “a validation of our belief that Indian stories can resonate universally.” He added that the team is already in pre-production for Season 2, which will explore Gandhi’s return to India and the beginning of his political activism.
What’s Next?
With its successful TIFF debut, Gandhi is expected to release on a major streaming platform later this year, with global distribution deals in the works. The series is also being considered for awards season, potentially making history as the first Indian series to compete in international television categories.
As the buzz builds, one thing is clear: Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi has not only revived interest in the Mahatma’s legacy but also redefined what Indian storytelling can achieve on the world stage.
Sources: MSN, News18, India Today
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