Hansal Mehta’s ‘Gandhi’ gets standing ovation at TIFF, Pratik Gandhi overwhelmed

Hansal Mehta’s series Gandhi, starring Pratik Gandhi, received a standing ovation at TIFF. Based on Ramachandra Guha’s books, the three-season series explores Gandhi’s formative years in India, London, and South Africa.

Mumbai: Hansal Mehta’s upcoming series Gandhi received a standing ovation after its premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), leaving lead actor Pratik Gandhi overwhelmed by the response.

Pratik, who essays the role of Mahatma Gandhi, took to Instagram to share a string of images and clips from the premiere, including a video of the audience giving the series a standing ovation.

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Expressing his joy, Pratik wrote in the caption: “A very special day when #Gandhi premiered at #tiff50. Grateful and blessed to be here with the amazingly passionate team Gandhi, beautiful audience at TIFF and overwhelming response with a standing ovation, the joy in the air and that smile on all our faces.”

Gandhi, which also stars Bhamini Oza, Kabir Bedi and Tom Felton, is based on Ramachandra Guha’s books Gandhi Before India and Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World. Planned as a three-season series, its first season — covering the years 1888 to 1915 — was completed in August 2024.

Season one traces Gandhi’s early life, beginning in colonial India as a curious teenager, then as a shy law student in London, and finally as a young lawyer who spends 23 transformative years in South Africa.

The series is produced by Applause Entertainment.

On September 9, Pratik shared a picture with Hollywood star Tom Felton, whom he called “his first friend in England,” adding that he could not wait to host the actor in India.

Felton, who will be seen as Josiah Oldfield in the series, responded by calling Pratik his “brother in arms.” He wrote: “To my brother in arms @pratikgandhiofficial – the cast & crew that made this happen – what an honour it was to premiere Gandhi at @tiff_net to a standing ovation this weekend – @hansalmehta #gandhi.”

Taking to the comments, Pratik replied: “Cheers to my first friend in England, the innocent, emotional and funny @t22felton. Can’t wait to have you in India.”