Majhi Prarthana.
Padmaraj Rajgopal Nair is among the few Indian filmmakers who seamlessly combines the roles of writer, director, producer and lead actor, maintaining complete creative control from script to screen. Over the past two decades, he has also built a reputation as an acting mentor, training aspiring performers through SRM Film School with a practical, camera-oriented approach that bridges the gap between classroom learning and the professional entertainment industry
Under his leadership, SRM Film School has earned industry recognition for its contribution to acting education. The institution received the Global Excellence Award 2019 as the Best Acting & Filmmaking Institution in Maharashtra, presented by Madhuri Dixit Nene, followed by the Global Excellence Award 2025 as the Best Acting Institution in Mumbai, presented by Padma Shri Kajol Devgan.. These recognitions reflect the school's sustained contribution to nurturing talent for films, television, advertisements and OTT platforms.
His latest Marathi period romantic drama, Majhi Prarthana (2025), reflects this multifaceted creative vision. Written, directed, produced and headlined by Padmaraj Rajgopal Nair, the film is set against the backdrop of British-era rural Maharashtra and explores themes of unconditional love, sacrifice, resilience and human dignity. The film features acclaimed Marathi actor Upendra Limaye alongside newcomer Anusha Adep and was produced under the banner of Padmaraj Nair Films.
Majhi Prarthana has received positive audience appreciation, earning an IMDb user rating of 9.4/10, and has continued to expand its reach beyond its theatrical release. Following its successful cinema run, the film premiered on ZEE5 on 17 June 2026, making it accessible to audiences across India and international markets.
The film has also demonstrated strong digital momentum on the platform. At the time of publication, Majhi Prarthana holds the No. 1 position in ZEE5's "Latest Marathi Movies" section and has emerged as a Top 5 Trending Release globally within ZEE5's FREE5 Chart Toppers, reflecting strong viewership among Marathi-speaking audiences in India as well as the global diaspora across markets including the United States, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
One of the film's most talked-about aspects has been Padmaraj Rajgopal Nair's extraordinary commitment to authenticity. To portray the lead character, he underwent a remarkable 53-kilogram body transformation, a process that demanded months of disciplined physical preparation. The transformation attracted widespread attention across entertainment media and social platforms, highlighting his dedication to immersive performance and character-driven storytelling.
Reflecting on his journey, Padmaraj Rajgopal Nair says:
"Cinema has always been more than entertainment for me. Every film is an opportunity to tell stories that stay with people, while every student I mentor represents the future of Indian cinema. If I can inspire even one actor or filmmaker to pursue authenticity over shortcuts, I consider that my greatest achievement."
Beyond filmmaking, Padmaraj Rajgopal Nair continues to shape the next generation of performers through SRM Film School. Over more than two decades, his practical approach to acting education has helped numerous students establish careers across feature films, television, advertisements, web series and OTT platforms.
Balancing filmmaking with mentorship, Padmaraj Rajgopal Nair continues to build a career defined by artistic integrity, discipline and meaningful storytelling. Through both his films and his contribution to actor training, he has established himself as a respected creative professional whose influence extends from the classroom to the silver screen.
Physical transformation for film Majhi prarthana
