Srijit Mukherji directs film on Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle
Srijit Mukherji, one of India’s most acclaimed filmmakers, is set to direct a powerful Indo-British feature film based on the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the legendary creator of Sherlock Holmes. The film, titled Elementary, My Dear Holmes, will explore the untold emotional and moral struggles of Doyle the man who gave the world one of its greatest fictional detectives.![]()
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According to early production reports, the film has been officially approved by the Conan Doyle Estate and will be co-produced by Matchcut Productions and Shahnaab Alam, known for films like The Lunchbox and D-Day.
Srijit Mukherji reimagines Doyle’s world in ‘Elementary, My Dear Holmes’
Set in London, 1906, Elementary, My Dear Holmes will take viewers into a period when Doyle’s personal and professional worlds were falling apart. His wife lay critically ill, urging him to find love again, while his mind was occupied by real-life injustices, including the wrongful conviction of George Edalji, a man of Indian descent.
Srijit Mukherji explained that the film imagines Doyle stepping into his own fiction a man haunted by the clarity he gave to Sherlock Holmes yet trapped in the chaos of his own reality. The narrative moves through Doyle’s internal battles, questioning morality, justice, and human frailty.
This approach reflects Mukherji’s long-standing fascination with crime, mystery, and layered storytelling. Known for his deep character work, the director aims to blur the line between imagination and truth in a way that feels both haunting and human.
A global collaboration with emotional depth and historical precision
The film is an Indo-British co-production, bringing together talents and teams from both countries to authentically portray the early 20th-century London backdrop. The story isn’t merely a biographical retelling but a deeply emotional journey into the making of a literary genius.
Richard Pooley, Director of the Conan Doyle Estate, remarked that few people realize how active Doyle was in fighting social injustice, both within and beyond Britain. The film aims to highlight this lesser-known side portraying him not only as a writer but also as a reformer, spiritual seeker, and man of conscience.![]()
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While the official cast and production schedule are yet to be announced, sources suggest that the film will feature an international ensemble to reflect the cultural and political context of the era.
Srijit Mukherji’s passion for mystery and layered storytelling
Srijit Mukherji is no stranger to the world of thrillers and detective fiction. In Bengali cinema, he has already captivated audiences with his celebrated Feluda adaptations, Feluda Pherot and Feludar Goyendagiri. His ability to mix suspense with strong emotional undercurrents has earned him multiple National Awards for films like Chotushkone, Gumnaami, and Ek Je Chhilo Raja.

In Bollywood, he has directed notable films like Begum Jaan, Shabaash Mithu, and Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga. His storytelling often revolves around human complexity, moral ambiguity, and the thin line between truth and illusion themes that fit perfectly with Doyle’s world.
Mukherji’s statement about the new project captures his creative vision: “I first met Sherlock Holmes not in Baker Street, but in the quiet between pages. This film imagines Doyle stepping into that quiet confronting his own creation.”
A promising cinematic bridge between India and the world
Elementary, My Dear Holmes marks another milestone in Indian cinema’s growing international presence. The collaboration between Indian and British studios aims to deliver a film that appeals to global audiences while retaining an Indian emotional core. Also Read: Jamtara 2 Actor Sachin Chandwade’s Tragic Death at 25 Leaves Fans in Shock
The story’s focus on truth, justice, and imagination makes it relevant even today. By revisiting Arthur Conan Doyle’s struggles, the film draws parallels between art and reality, showing how great stories often emerge from personal pain and purpose.
Conclusion
Srijit Mukherji’s upcoming film Elementary, My Dear Holmes is shaping up to be a fascinating journey through literature, morality, and human endurance. With his signature blend of emotion and intellect, Mukherji is set to reveal the man behind Sherlock Holmes not the detective, but the dreamer who created him.

