Randeep Hooda’s maiden directorial Swatantrya Veer Savarkar completed one year since its release today. The actor, who played the role of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, underwent a drastic weight loss journey. During filming, he also fractured his knee, requiring surgery, but this did not stop him—he continued shooting for the film despite the injury. On Saturday, Hooda shared unseen glimpses with his fans, calling the journey ‘life-changing.’
Randeep wrote, “3 years ago, I embarked on an unforgettable journey with Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, which released on this day last year, a film that changed me in ways I never imagined. From co-writing, directing, producing, to playing the role of Veer Savarkar, it was a labour of love, passion, and sacrifice.”
He added, “The physical pain of shooting with a fractured knee, the emotional highs and lows, and the grueling weight loss journey all shaped this experience. Yet, what truly made it special was the immense love and support I received from my friends, cast, and crew—who stood by me, even when I was a ‘hangry’ director. This film has been more than just a project; it’s been life-changing.”
Check it out:
Randeep’s first video shows him falling off a horse during an intense riding session for the movie, resulting in a knee fracture. After more than two years of recovery, he has finally returned to horseback riding. Hooda’s injury occurred when Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was initially shelved due to financial constraints, leaving him with multiple ligament tears in his knee, requiring rehabilitation.
While another photo captures him lying on a stretcher in a hospital.
Before Randeep, Mahesh Manjrekar was attached to the film as he was slated to direct Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, however, later, he decided to leave the project.
The film also starred Ankita Lokhande as Yamunabai Savarkar alongside Amit Sial, Chetan Swaroop, and Rajesh Khera, among others.