Emmy-nominated filmmaker Manjari Makhijani (Spin, Skater Girl) will direct Discovering Samba, a feature-length documentary about her father, Indian actor Mak Mohan, which will be produced by her sister Vinati Makhijani. The project is structured as an official co-production between India and Australia, with production set to begin later this year and release in 2027.
The project was announced at the Cannes Film Festival.
Mac Mohan has a career spanning over 50 years and over 280 films, including Don, Shaan, Kaas, Zanjeer, Satte Pe Satta, Trishul, Koon Pasina, Rahu Chakkar and Kudaar. He achieved lasting cultural acclaim as Samba, the laconic henchman in Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 blockbuster Sholay, a role that made his name a household name across generations.
Discovering Samba draws on archival materials, family reminiscences and reflections from colleagues to explore themes of identity, heritage and the relationship between film and personal memory. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, founder and director of the Film Heritage Foundation, which recently restored Sholay, has joined as an advisor.
“Mak Mohan has as many fans of his own as any hero of his time. Be it a role big or small, he has left an indelible mark in the hearts of people who still watch these films and remember him and the roles he played very fondly,” Dungarpur said.
Manjari Makhijani heads Asia Pacific Pictures with producer Emmanuel Papas (Maya), focusing on film, documentary and television projects across Australia, India and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Vinati Makhijani (The Theory of Spice) runs Mack Productions, a company originally founded by Mak Mohan.
“In most parts of the world, my father was a samba. There is so much about him that I am still discovering through those who knew him before me. This may be the most cathartic process of filmmaking for me. As a daughter, As a daughter, I am piecing together memories, absences, and emotions with my sister who shaped our lives and influenced my own filmmaking journey. This film is an intimate story of rediscovering the person I miss most: my father,” said director Manjari Makhijani. he said.
“Our fathers belonged to the audience long before they were ours. With this documentary, we want to create something that is emotionally honest and universally relatable. Not only for those who grew up in Sholay, but also for anyone who has ever tried to understand their parents, leave a legacy, or reconnect with their family history through memories and stories,” added producer Vinati Makhijani.
Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon, Mak Mohan’s niece, said, “Mohan Mohan had so much grace and humility. His presence filled every room with laughter and stories. Although he played the typical villain on screen, he had a heart of gold. He was one of the warmest people you could ever know in real life. I’m proud of what Manjari and Vinati are doing. They’re not just preserving the actor’s legacy, they’re preserving the actor’s spirit.” This documentary will allow viewers to see his personal, emotional, and beautifully human side. ”
“There is something deeply moving about children rediscovering their fathers not just as parents, but as a cultural memory shared by millions of people,” Pappas added.
Shehzad Sippy of Sippy Films, whose family produced Sholay, said, “The characters and world of Sholay continue to resonate across generations and regions. Samba remains one of the most famous characters in Indian cinema. Alone, Mak Mohan brought a unique presence to the screen that audiences will never forget. I am delighted to see his story reimagined through the eyes of his daughters in an intimate, respectful and emotional way.” It’s meaningful. ”
