Rishab Shetty’s ambitious historical epic about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is getting a major production partner. Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series has officially joined The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which is now planned as a two-part theatrical saga. The project will be directed by Sandeep Singh, with Shetty portraying the legendary Maratha ruler and also serving as a co-producer.
The announcement was made on October 30, 2026, confirming that production is scheduled to begin in early 2027. The collaboration brings together T-Series Films and Legend Studios, with Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar producing the film.
To mark the partnership, Bhushan Kumar presented Shetty with a century-old painting of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The gesture accompanied the announcement of the expanded two-film project, which aims to explore the ruler’s life, military campaigns, leadership and vision of Swarajya.
What The Pride of Bharat Will Explore
According to the makers, the two-part saga will cover major battles, victories and sacrifices from Shivaji Maharaj’s life, alongside lesser-known episodes from his journey. The narrative will focus on his military strategy, leadership and the establishment of Swarajya.
Bhushan Kumar expressed his motivation for backing the project, saying, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharashtra 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.”
He also credited Sandeep Singh’s narration for convincing him to take up the project, while describing Shetty’s screen presence and ability to portray larger-than-life characters as important strengths for the film.
The screenplay is being written by Rishi Virmani and Sandeep Singh. Shiv Chanana, Kabiir Sadanand and Rishab Shetty are attached as co-producers. The makers are also planning an ensemble cast and an international creative team, although further casting details have not yet been officially announced.
Rishab Shetty Takes on Another Large-Scale Role
The film was initially announced in December 2024, with Shetty revealed as the actor playing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The expansion into two parts gives the filmmakers a larger canvas to explore the historical figure’s life rather than compressing his legacy into a single feature.
Shetty became widely recognised across India following the success of Kantara, which he wrote, directed and starred in. His performance in the film earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He subsequently returned with Kantara: Chapter 1, further strengthening his position as a major name in Indian cinema.
For director Sandeep Singh, the project represents an opportunity to bring a significant chapter of Indian history to a large theatrical audience. His earlier directorial work includes Safed.
With T-Series now officially backing the production, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj enters a significant new phase. The early 2027 production schedule gives the team time to prepare for the scale of a two-part historical drama. However, the makers have yet to announce a confirmed release date for either instalment.
