Saif Ali Khan and Pratik Gandhi are set to star in "Hum Hindustani," a new Netflix series centered around India's first general election. The series, inspired by true events, will revisit the monumental 1951-1952 elections, a pivotal moment in the nation's history following its independence. The release date for the series is yet to be announced.
"Hum Hindustani" is set in the fragile early years of India's independence, a period marked by the aftermath of Partition, economic struggles, and political uncertainty. The series will explore the administrative and human efforts required to conduct a nationwide vote in such challenging circumstances. It revolves around a group of dedicated officials tasked with the unprecedented challenge of executing universal adult franchise on a massive scale.
The Election Commission of India faced significant hurdles, including a largely illiterate electorate, limited infrastructure, and widespread skepticism about the viability of democracy under such conditions. To overcome these obstacles, they had to create innovative systems from scratch, introducing electoral symbols, transporting ballot boxes across vast and often inaccessible terrains, and convincing citizens of the importance of their vote.
Saif Ali Khan and Pratik Gandhi will lead the cast, which also includes Deepak Dobriyal, Mimi Chakraborty, Sarika, and Shraddha Dangar. For Khan, this project marks a continuation of his relationship with Netflix, as his series "Sacred Games" was the platform's first Indian original and is credited with boosting the streaming boom in India. Gandhi joins the series after his role in "Saare Jahaan Se Achha," another Netflix title that solidified his reputation for being drawn to politically and historically relevant narratives.
Rahul Dholakia has written and directed "Hum Hindustani," choosing to approach the election story from the perspective of those working on the ground rather than focusing on prominent political leaders. The makers emphasize that the right to vote is the central idea driving the narrative, framing the election as a collective effort shaped by belief, persistence, and institutional resolve.
In the series, Saif Ali Khan is seen advocating for the need for universal adult suffrage to conduct the first election in India. He faces resistance from Indian monarchs. Pratik Gandhi plays an Indian police officer determined to ensure that India's first election proceeds without violence.
The team behind "Hum Hindustani" stated that telling the story of India's first democratic election through the eyes of those on the ground has been both a responsibility and a privilege. They describe it as a story of belief, courage, and collective effort that shaped the nation and express immense pride in bringing Rahul Dholakia's vision to Netflix. The producers, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, and Nikkhil Advani under Emmay Entertainment, aim to present this landmark chapter of Indian history with the scale and ambition it deserves for audiences in India and beyond.