In an announcement that aims to mark a new chapter in Indian cinema, director Sandeep Singh has unveiled his ambitious project, “The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.” The film is set to provide a grand cinematic experience, depicting the life and valor of the legendary Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose birth anniversary celebrations inspired the timing of this announcement. The film’s release is scheduled to coincide with India’s 77th Republic Day on January 23, 2026, underscoring its patriotic theme.
Sandeep Singh’s vision goes beyond conventional storytelling. This will be his directorial debut in high-budget commercial cinema, a significant leap from his seasoned background in the Indian film industry. “It’s taken me 23 years of hard struggle to build and create a position to debut as a director for my first mega-budget film – The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. There could be nothing better than this,” states Singh. With painstaking effort poured into the script since 2019, his dedication is clear as he sought to produce a film worthy of celebrating the historical significance and influence of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Sandeep Singh’s passion for Indian history shines through his work, and his attachment to the iconic figure of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whom he reveres as “the Maharaj of Maharaj’s,” is particularly evident. Diving deep into the historical texts, Singh aims to bring the king’s strategic brilliance and tactical prowess to the forefront. He highlights how Shivaji Maharaj used the rugged landscape of the Western Ghats to his advantage in warfare, a testament to his ingenuity that remains relevant today.
Singh expresses his astonishment towards the Bollywood industry for not previously capturing the epic saga of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life on the silver screen. His surprise extends to the lack of representation of the legendary ruler in other Indian languages as well as in English cinema. Driven by such a revelation, Singh embarked on this significant cinematic journey without hesitation.
The upcoming film is a melting pot of talent with some of the industry’s best creatives on board. Aseem Bajaj is responsible for the cinematography, while Ganesh Hegde will lead choreography. Costumes are designed by Sheetal Sharma, Sandeep Sharad Ravade will oversee production design, and Kavish Sinha is the casting director. For the musical score, acclaimed composer Devi Sri Prasad has been brought in to lend his expertise.
While the film’s cast has yet to be announced, the production promises to recreate the majestic Maratha era with authentic set designs and state-of-the-art technology. To truly bring the valor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his confrontations with the Mughals and the British to life, the film will utilize a broad spectrum of artistic and technological innovations.
In an industry first, “The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj” is slated to be released in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi, reflecting an aim to reach a diverse and wide-ranging audience. This multilingual approach will not only pay homage to the legendary king but also acquaint audiences worldwide with his remarkable life and legacy.
This monumental project is presented by Immerso Studios and Legend Studios. Its release date is a nod to patriotism and reverence for one of India’s most iconic figures. The film seeks not just to entertain but also to educate and inspire by bringing the powerful story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to a global audience. Through poignant storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and captivating music, Sandeep Singh and his team are set on making “The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj” a historic event in more ways than one.
