Jun 18, 2026 10:00am IST
Rishab Shetty’s ‘The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’ Expands Into Two Parts With ₹500 Crore-Plus Budget (EXCLUSIVE)
Rishab Shetty is set to enter a significant phase of his career with a line up of large scale mythological and historical films over the next few years. Following his upcoming appearance as Lord Hanuman in “Jai Hanuman,” the National Award winning actor will headline “The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” a project that Variety India has learned has now expanded into a two part theatrical saga.
Directed by Sandeep Singh, the film was previously announced as a single feature based on the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. However, Variety India has learned that the makers have expanded the vision of the project, with the first chapter now being planned for a 2028 release and the second chapter expected to follow in 2029.
The Rishab Shetty film is being mounted on an estimated budget of more than ₹500 crore, making it one of the biggest historical productions currently in development in Indian cinema. A significant portion of the film is expected to be shot across Maharashtra, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established his kingdom and many defining moments of his journey unfolded. The team is expected to commence principal photography after Shetty completes his commitments on “Jai Hanuman,” directed by Prashanth Varma.
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The project adds another major title to Shetty’s expanding filmography following the success of “Kantara,” for which he received the National Film Award for Best Actor. The actor is expected to be seen in “Jai Hanuman” in 2027, followed by the two chapters of “The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj” in 2028 and 2029.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been portrayed in several films and television projects across languages over the decades. However, the scale being planned for this adaptation, places it among the most ambitious Hindi language cinematic interpretations of the Maratha ruler.
The first look of Rishab Shetty as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled earlier, generated considerable attention, reflecting the public interest around the actor taking on one of Indian history’s most revered figures. Further details regarding the supporting cast, technical crew and the makers’ official announcement on the revised release strategy are awaited.
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