Filmmaker Padmaraj Nair Reflects On Two Decades Of Mentoring Talent

Filmmaker Padmaraj Rajgopal Nair is gaining attention for his latest Marathi film, Majhi Prarthana, which is currently trending on ZEE5. The film, released in 2025, is a period romantic drama set in British-era rural Maharashtra and explores themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience.

Nair has not only written, directed, and produced the film but has also starred in it. What's more, he has undergone a significant physical transformation for the lead role, losing 53 kilograms over several months to portray the character with greater authenticity.

Apart from his work in filmmaking, Nair has also spent over two decades mentoring aspiring actors through SRM Film School. Founded with the objective of providing practical, camera-oriented acting training, the institute has trained numerous performers for careers across films, television, advertisements, and OTT platforms.

Under Nair's leadership, SRM Film School has received industry recognition, including the Global Excellence Award 2019 for Best Acting & Filmmaking Institution in Maharashtra and the Global Excellence Award 2025 for Best Acting Institution in Mumbai. The institute has been presented with these awards by notable celebrities, including Madhuri Dixit Nene and Padma Shri Kajol Devgan.

Majhi Prarthana premiered on ZEE5 on June 17, 2026, and has been ranked No. 1 in the platform's Latest Marathi Movies section. It is also among the Top 5 Trending Releases globally in the FREE5 Chart Toppers, reflecting strong viewership from Marathi-speaking audiences across India and international markets.

The film currently holds an IMDb user rating of 9.4/10, adding to its growing digital presence. Nair's physical transformation for the lead role has been one of the most discussed aspects of the film, drawing attention across entertainment media and social platforms.

Speaking about his journey, Nair said that cinema is more than just entertainment for him. He believes that every film is an opportunity to tell stories that stay with people, and every student he mentors represents the future of Indian cinema.

Nair remains actively involved in training aspiring actors through SRM Film School, focusing on practical performance techniques and industry-oriented education. His work has helped numerous students establish careers across films, television, and other platforms.

As a filmmaker and mentor, Nair's focus on authenticity and practical training has made a significant impact on the industry. His latest film, Majhi Prarthana, is a testament to his dedication to storytelling and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of actors and filmmakers.

The success of Majhi Prarthana on ZEE5 is a reflection of Nair's hard work and dedication to his craft. The film's strong viewership and positive reviews are a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the impact that Nair's mentorship has had on the industry.

In the context of the Indian film industry, Nair's work is significant. The industry is constantly evolving, with new platforms and technologies emerging all the time. Nair's focus on practical training and industry-oriented education has helped his students navigate this changing landscape and establish successful careers.

As the Indian film industry continues to grow and evolve, Nair's work as a filmmaker and mentor will remain an important part of its development. His commitment to authenticity and practical training has made a lasting impact on the industry, and his latest film, Majhi Prarthana, is a testament to his dedication to storytelling and mentorship.

In conclusion, Padmaraj Rajgopal Nair's journey as a filmmaker and mentor is a remarkable one. His latest film, Majhi Prarthana, is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft, and his work as a mentor has had a significant impact on the Indian film industry. As the industry continues to evolve, Nair's focus on authenticity and practical training will remain an important part of its development.