Rishab Shetty has been on a career high following the epic response to both Kantara and Kantara 2. After stepping into the role of Lord Hanuman in the upcoming
Jai Hanuman, the National Award-winning actor is now also prepping to headline another monumental historic project – The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. And turns out the epic has just received another major upgrade that will leave fans thrilled. As per latest reports, what was initially conceived as a single feature film is now being developed as a two-part theatrical saga. As per a report in Variety India, the makers have expanded the scope of the project, with the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj set to unravel across two films, instead of one. Set for a 2028 release, the first part is directed by Sandeep Singh. The conclusion to the saga is set to appear in 2029.The decision apparently has been taken owing to the scale of the story and a desire to do due diligence to one of India’s most celebrated historical figures without compressing his journey into a single film. What is also noteworthy is that the expansion makes the project one of the biggest historical films that is currently in development in Indian cinema – having been mounted on an estimated budget that crosses Rs 500 crore The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is expected to be a large-scale cinematic recreation of the Maratha ruler's life, military campaigns and enduring legacy. Reports also suggest that a substantial portion of the film is expected to be shot across Maharashtra, where many of the defining chapters of Shivaji Maharaj's life unfolded. Production is likely to begin after Rishab Shetty completes his commitments on Jai Hanuman, directed by Prashanth Varma. For Shetty, the project marks another significant step following the nationwide success of Kantara, which earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. The actor's upcoming slate is increasingly leaning toward larger-than-life mythological and historical narratives, with Jai Hanuman expected in 2027, followed by the two chapters of The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 2028 and 2029. Meanwhile, the first-look poster featuring Rishab Shetty as the revered Shivaji Maharaj had already generated significant buzz online, with audiences expressing excitement about the actor portraying one of India's most well-known icons in history. With the project now evolving into a two-part epic, expectations are only set to grow.
