Rishab Shetty’s journey after Kantara continues to get bigger with every new announcement. The National Award-winning actor already has ambitious projects lined up, but his upcoming historical drama The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has now reportedly grown into something far larger than originally planned. What was first envisioned as a single film is now being developed as a two-part theatrical saga, making it one of the most expensive and ambitious historical projects currently taking shape in Indian cinema.
The development comes as expectations around the film continue to rise. Ever since the first-look poster featuring Rishab Shetty as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was unveiled, audiences have shown immense curiosity about how the actor would portray one of the most respected figures in Indian history. Now, with the story reportedly expanding across two films, the scale of the project appears to have increased dramatically.
Why The Makers Decided To Split The Story Into Two Films
According to recent reports, the filmmakers felt that the life and achievements of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj could not be fully explored within the runtime of a single feature film. Rather than compressing decades of history, military campaigns and political milestones into one narrative, the creative team has reportedly decided to tell the story across two separate chapters.
The first installment is expected to arrive in 2028, while the second chapter is being planned for release in 2029. The move reflects a growing trend in Indian cinema where large-scale historical and mythological stories are increasingly being divided into multiple films to allow greater depth and world-building.
Given Shivaji Maharaj’s enduring influence on Indian history, the decision may also help filmmakers delve deeper into key events that shaped his legacy. His rise as the founder of the Maratha Empire, his military strategies, leadership qualities and vision for self-rule offer enough material for an expansive cinematic adaptation. Attempting to fit all of that into a single movie would likely have required major compromises.
One Of The Biggest Historical Projects In Development
The expansion into two films has also significantly increased the project’s stature within the industry. Reports suggest the combined production budget is expected to cross ₹500 crore, placing it among the most expensive historical films ever mounted in India.
The film is being directed by Sandeep Singh and is expected to feature large-scale battle sequences, elaborate period recreation and extensive visual effects work. A substantial portion of the shooting is reportedly planned across locations in Maharashtra, where many defining moments from Shivaji Maharaj’s life took place.
The makers appear determined to deliver an authentic and grand cinematic experience rather than relying heavily on studio-bound production. Recreating forts, battlefields and historical settings associated with the Maratha ruler is expected to be a major focus during production.
With Indian audiences increasingly embracing large-scale historical spectacles, the project has the potential to become one of the biggest event films of its generation if executed successfully.
Shefali Shah’s Role Adds Another Important Layer
Apart from Rishab Shetty, the film has already generated attention for bringing acclaimed actress Shefali Shah on board. She is expected to portray Jijabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and one of the most influential figures in his life.
Historically, Jijabai is widely credited with shaping Shivaji Maharaj’s values, leadership qualities and vision from an early age. Her presence in the narrative could add emotional depth to a story that might otherwise focus primarily on warfare and politics.
By exploring the relationship between mother and son, the film may offer audiences a more personal look at the man behind the legendary ruler. Such character-driven moments often become crucial in historical dramas, helping viewers connect with iconic figures beyond their public achievements.
A Defining Phase In Rishab Shetty’s Career
For Rishab Shetty, the project represents another major step in what has become one of the most interesting career trajectories in contemporary Indian cinema. The actor’s popularity soared nationwide following the success of Kantara, which not only became a box office phenomenon but also earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Rather than immediately pursuing conventional commercial projects, Shetty has increasingly gravitated toward stories rooted in mythology, culture and history. Before stepping into the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he is also set to appear as Lord Hanuman in Prashanth Varma’s Jai Hanuman, a film that has already generated considerable anticipation among audiences.
Production on The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is expected to begin after Shetty completes his commitments for Jai Hanuman. If current plans remain unchanged, the actor will headline a string of major releases stretching from 2027 through 2029.
The growing scale of the Shivaji Maharaj project also highlights the industry’s confidence in Shetty as a pan-India star capable of carrying large historical and mythological spectacles. Following the success of Kantara, expectations are naturally high, and this two-part saga could become one of the defining projects of his career.
As development moves forward, audiences will be watching closely to see how the filmmakers bring the extraordinary story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the big screen. With a reported budget exceeding ₹500 crore, a two-film structure and one of Indian cinema’s most respected actors in the lead role, the project is already shaping up as a landmark production long before cameras begin rolling.
