Jai Somnath Update: Ketan Mehta Is Working On Script, Sanjay Leela Bhansali To Create Visual World - EXCLUSIVE

It

was announced earlier this year that filmmakers SanJai Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta have joined forces for the ambitious historical drama Jai Somnath, a film that will revisit one of the most significant chapters in Indian history. Set against the backdrop of the 1025–1026 CE attack on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni, the historical epic is looking to bring alive a story of resilience and cultural endurance. With 2026 marking 1,000 years of the historic invasion and the temple’s eventual resurrection, the project is like a homage to the persistence of our beliefs and spirituality. Now, we have exclusive updates about how the film is progressing.

Ketan Mehta and SLB are working together on Jai Somnath

When two veterans come together, any film already gets a clear direction. With Ketan and SLB's duties divided, Jai Somnath is on a clear track. A source tells Times Now, "They have come together not just as collaborators, but as creative forces. This association aims to deliver a big cinematic experience for Indian cinema." Talking about what both directors are overseeing, the source continues, "While Ketan Mehta is currently focused on the script, ensuring historical accuracy and detailing of Jai Somnath, Bhansali is working on creating its unique visual world. Having built grand worlds in films like Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat, his storytelling stands out. Jai Somnath is shaping up to be a cinematic spectacle from India that the world needs to see."

More about Jai Somnath

The film is being produced under the banners of Bhansali Productions and Maya Movies, with Mehta taking on the dual role of writer and director. Known for his meticulous approach to storytelling, Mehta is currently immersed in developing the script, with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and narrative depth. The project is expected to capture not just the destruction of the Somnath Temple but also its repeated reconstruction, symbolising the indestructible spirit of India.The story of Somnath is something every Indian should know about. From Mahmud of Ghazni’s attack in 1026 to subsequent attempts to dismantle the temple, history records countless moments of destruction. Yet, each time, the temple rose again - rebuilt by generations who refused to let their faith and heritage be erased. This enduring legacy forms the emotional and thematic core of Jai Somnath.Slated for release in 2027, Jai Somnath is a very ambitious project for both Ketan Mehta and SLB. With two visionary filmmakers at the helm, the film can bring about a cultural renaissance in the country as the bravery of our ancestors will be shown on the big screen in a grand manner.