Rishab Shetty is set to portray Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in a grand historical project that has now found a powerful backer in T-Series. The film, titled The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was first announced in December 2024 and has now been officially confirmed as a two-part saga. Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series has boarded the project as a producer, joining forces with Rishab Shetty and director Sandeep Singh for what is being described as one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious historical ventures. Filming is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with pre-production already underway.
T-Series Comes On Board for a Grand Historical Project
Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar will produce the film under the T-Series Films banner, while Rishab Shetty also joins as a co-producer. The project is a joint production between T-Series Films and Legend Studios. To mark the partnership, Bhushan Kumar presented Rishab Shetty with a century-old painting of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a gesture that reflects the team’s deep respect for the historical figure at the centre of the story.
The collaboration brings together T-Series, known for backing large-scale Hindi films, and Rishab Shetty, who became a nationwide name after the massive success of Kantara in 2022 and its prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, in 2025. The Kantara films together grossed hundreds of crores and earned Shetty a National Film Award for Best Actor.
Bhushan Kumar shared his thoughts on the responsibility of bringing this story to the screen:
“Maharashtra and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have given us a legacy to be proud of, and I believe it is our responsibility to honour that legacy through cinema and share it with the world. When Sandeep Singh narrated ‘The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,’ I felt a deep sense of responsibility to bring this extraordinary story to the big screen.”
He also praised Rishab Shetty’s ability to bring legendary figures to life, saying the actor’s screen presence makes him the right choice for the role.
Two Films to Cover Shivaji Maharaj’s Life and Legacy
The decision to split the story into two parts comes from the sheer scale of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life and achievements. The two-film saga will follow the 17th-century Maratha ruler through his major battles, victories, personal sacrifices, and lesser-known episodes from his journey. The narrative will focus on his military strategy, his leadership, and his vision of Swarajya, or self-rule.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha kingdom in western India and spent much of his life resisting the Mughal Empire. He remains one of the most revered figures in Indian history, particularly in Maharashtra, and his story has inspired numerous films and television series over the decades.
The two-part format allows the filmmakers to explore both the well-known milestones and the quieter, less-documented moments of his life. The makers have stated that the saga will capture his military genius, strategic foresight, and fearless leadership, aiming to introduce audiences across generations to an important chapter of Indian history.
Star Cast and International Crew Take Shape
Rishab Shetty leads the cast as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Joining him is Bhumi Pednekar, who will portray Karnataka’s warrior queen Belawadi Mallamma. Shefali Shah is set to play Rajmata Jijabai, Arjun Rampal will appear as Aurangzeb, and Vivek Oberoi is also part of the ensemble in a key role. The film will feature an expansive ensemble cast, with more names expected to be announced as production moves forward.
The creative team brings together talent from India and overseas. Sandeep Singh directs the film and has co-written the screenplay with Rishi Virmani. The music will be composed by Pritam, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, while Amit Trivedi also contributes to the soundtrack. Ravi Varman, known for his work on Ponniyin Selvan, handles cinematography, and Philomin Raj takes on editing duties.
An international action team has been assembled to craft the battle sequences. Mark Henson, known for Game of Thrones and Vikings, leads the team, alongside Vlad Rimburg (The Fate of the Furious) and Craig Macrae (Troy: Fall of a City). Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty will oversee sound design, while Ashley Rebello and Anju Modi handle costumes.
The film is reportedly being mounted on a budget exceeding Rs 500 crore, placing it among the largest historical productions currently in development in Indian cinema.
Production Timeline and Release Plans
Pre-production is currently underway, with principal photography scheduled to commence in early 2027. The film will be released in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi, aiming to reach audiences across the globe.
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A specific release date has not been officially confirmed by the makers. Some reports have mentioned January 21, 2027, while others suggest a 2028 release for the first part, followed by the second film in 2029. Given that filming is set to begin in early 2027, the actual release timeline will depend on the production schedule. An official announcement regarding the release date is still awaited.
Rishab Shetty has said he prefers to focus on one project at a time and does not plan to shoot multiple films simultaneously, especially given the physical transformations required for his roles. His immediate priority is Jai Hanuman, the mythological epic in which he stars in the titular role. Once that project is completed, he will move on to The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Also Read: Jai Hanuman first look OUT: Rishab Shetty Transforms into Lord Hanuman in Prasanth Varma’s Movie
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