Hansal Mehta’s highly anticipated web series Gandhi has been in the headlines with its intriguing casting choices, and the latest addition is sure to excite fans worldwide. Known for portraying Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, Tom Felton is set to join the ensemble cast. He will be seen stepping into the role of Josiah Oldfield, an influential figure in Mahatma Gandhi’s early life.
Hansal Mehta ropes in Harry Potter actor Tom Felton for his upcoming series Gandhi
The series, which chronicles the early years of the iconic figure Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, has generated excitement among audiences and critics alike. Now, Tom Felton’s involvement adds to the anticipation for Hansal Mehta’s project.
According to Deadline, Felton will play Josiah Oldfield, a significant figure in Gandhi’s life during his time in London. Oldfield was a co-founder of the Vegetarian Society of London and an advocate of Indian culture. He played a crucial role in shaping Gandhi’s ideologies. Their friendship, forged through shared values and mutual respect, was a cornerstone in Gandhi’s journey toward self-discovery and social activism.
Tom Felton remarked, “I’m excited to be part of the journey of telling the story of Gandhi’s early years in London. It’s an important aspect of history that hasn’t been told on screen before. And to be working with Hansal and Pratik is an honor and pleasure.”
Felton’s casting aligns with Mehta’s vision of creating a series that transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences worldwide. Additionally, Gandhi has been likened to the Netflix series The Crown for its grand scale and historical significance.
British actors James Murray, Jonno Davies, Molly Wright, Simon Lennon, Ralph Adeniyi, Libby Mai, and Lindon Alexander will join Felton as the cast. Sameer Nair’s Applause Entertainment will produce the series.
About Tom Felton & Hansal Mehta’s upcoming series
For those unaware, the series draws inspiration from acclaimed historian Ramachandra Guha’s authoritative texts, Gandhi Before India and Gandhi – The Years that Changed the World. The first season of Gandhi, comprising eight 60-minute episodes, aims to shed light on lesser-known facets of Gandhi’s life. In other words, it will offer insight into the experiences that shaped his convictions and political ideologies. Subsequent seasons will dig deeper into Gandhi’s life, charting his evolution as a leader and his important role in India’s struggle for independence.
Gandhi’s first season will complete shooting in July. Additionally, the show will premiere in early 2025. The makers have yet to finalize the streaming platform. Producer Nair expressed optimism about its global reception. “The name recognition on a project like this is incredible. You don’t have to explain what it is about,” Nair remarked.
Showrunner Hansal Mehta echoed Nair’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of Gandhi’s story in today’s context. “Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s story, particularly his formative years spent in London and South Africa, is a story for our times,” Mehta stated. “It is an untouched but fertile tale of a young man who goes on a voyage of self-discovery, not knowing the impact he’d have on history and on our collective consciousness.”
Pratik Gandhi of Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story fame will be playing the titular role of Mahatma Gandhi. Alongside him, his real-life partner, Bhamini Oza, will portray Kasturba Gandhi, his wife.
