Ketan Mehta Joins Forces With Sanjay Leela Bhansali For 'Jai Somnath'

(MENAFN- IANS) Mumbai, Feb 15 (IANS) Award-winning filmmaker Ketan Mehta is set to direct the upcoming film “Jai Somnath.” The director has teamed up with Indian auteur Sanjay Leela Bhansali to tell this historical story.

“Jai Somnath” traces back to 1025–1026 CE, when Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and looted the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, a pivotal moment in Indian history. This year marks 1,000 years since the Ghazni attack, the temple’s destruction, and its subsequent revival. Somnath symbolizes India’s unbreakable spirit and the glory of Indian civilization.

Because of the deep emotional and cultural importance of this chapter, the film is expected to resonate strongly with audiences as it revisits a significant moment from India’s past. Interestingly, this subject has never been explored in cinema before, and it is now finally coming to life.

What makes “Jai Somnath” even more meaningful is the collaboration between Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a master storyteller known for grand world-building and larger-than-life films, and Ketan Mehta, a visionary director recognized for bold storytelling, historical narratives, and socially relevant cinema with international appeal.

The film combines depth and cinematic grandeur, promising a spectacular and immersive experience. Both filmmakers hail from Gujarat, which is expected to add authenticity and emotional depth to the story.

“Jai Somnath” will be produced by Bhansali Productions and Maya Movies, with Ketan Mehta serving as writer and director. The film is scheduled for release in 2027.

Meanwhile, Ketan Mehta is returning after “Freedom Radio.” He is known for parallel and historical cinema. He studied at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. His debut, “Bhavni Bhavai,” used folk theater to comment on social inequality.