In a bid to celebrate and immortalize the saga of the revered Maratha icon, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, producer-turned-director Sandeep Singh has recently announced his plans to bring the story of this legendary warrior king to the silver screen with “The Pride of Bharat—Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.” This announcement arrived just days ahead of the Maratha leader’s birth anniversary, igniting curiosity and anticipation among cinema enthusiasts and historians alike.
Sandeep Singh, whose directional odysseys have previously included “Bajirao Mastani” and “Ram Leela,” is now endeavoring to encapsulate the essence of Shivaji’s legacy through meticulous research and cinematic finesse. The biographical film seeks to transcend linguistic barriers by releasing in multiple languages—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Marathi—thereby targeting a pan-Indian audience.
However, the pivotal point of interest gripping potential viewers is the casting for the titular role of Shivaji Maharaj. Singh has expressed his preference for Ranveer Singh, with whom he shares a professional rapport, courtesy of their collaborations on past projects. Citing Ranveer’s dedication, exemplified when he shaved his head for a previous role, Singh contends that there is “nobody better than him to play Shivaji.” Singh’s confidence stems from Ranveer’s strong connection to Mumbai and his proficiency in Marathi, which adds to the layers of authenticity the role requires.
Singh’s enthusiasm does not end with the lead role. He manifests an equal zest when discussing the character of Jijabai, Shivaji’s mother, who played an influential role in shaping Shivaji’s character and vision. Her part in the narrative will undoubtedly be a significant one, exploring her impact on Shivaji’s upbringing and the establishment of his ideals and virtues. Although Singh had initially envisioned the late Sridevi for the role, he now believes that the profoundly talented Madhuri Dixit-Nene would be the ideal fit to portray Jijabai on screen, bringing her own formidable experience and screen presence to the character.
The film’s script is currently undergoing subsequent revisions and refinements to ensure historical accuracy and narrative coherence. It is a herculean task to render the intricacies of a life as grand and transformative as Shivaji Maharaj’s, especially one that commenced its fight and sacrifices at the tender age of thirteen. Singh is focused on ensuring that the screenplay is meticulously bound before approaching Ranveer Singh for the lead role, hopeful for a positive affirmation from the actor to take on the challenge of embodying the prestigious hero.
The pre-production phase, engrossed in extensive research and planning, is a precursor to the actual filming scheduled later this year. The intent is clear: to forge an opulent and inspirational film that pays homage to the valorous Maratha king and celebrates his indomitable spirit.
Undoubtedly, this film, envisaged as a historical spectacle, aims to cast a lasting impression on its audience and provide a cinematic journey that is not only visually grand but also rich in cultural heritage and emotional depth. With buzzing interest among the masses and a creative team dedicated to the cause, “The Pride of Bharat—Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj” strives to reignite the flame of Maratha pride and present a tale of bravery that resonates through the ages. The film aspires to leave a mark not only as a piece of entertainment but also as a conduit of education and enlightenment, offering a window into the life and times of one of India’s most storied monarchs.
