Rishab Shetty to Star as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Grand Historical Drama

New Delhi: National Award-winning actor Rishab Shetty is set to portray the iconic 17th-century ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the upcoming historical epic The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Directed by Sandeep Singh, this ambitious project aims to narrate the inspiring story of Shivaji Bhonsle, a revered hero of Indian history.

Bollywood trade analyst Taran Adarsh unveiled the film’s first-look poster on Instagram, showcasing Rishab Shetty in his regal avatar as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Standing atop a rocky terrain with a sword in hand and the map of India in the background, Rishab’s powerful pose embodies the spirit of the legendary warrior. In the post, Taran wrote, “Rishab Shetty in & as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj… Directed by Sandeep Singh… The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj releases on January 21, 2027, during the Republic Day weekend, in multiple languages.”

Sharing his enthusiasm, Rishab Shetty described the role as a tremendous honor. “When I heard Sandeep’s grand vision for this film, I agreed immediately. Bringing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy to the silver screen is a privilege beyond words. He is more than a historical figure—he is a symbol of pride and resilience, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity,” he said in a statement shared by Moneycontrol.

Director Sandeep Singh revealed that casting Rishab Shetty was a deliberate choice. “Rishab embodies the valour and spirit of Shivaji Maharaj like no other. This film has been my dream project for years, and I’m thrilled to finally bring it to life with such grandeur. With world-class technicians and groundbreaking action choreography, we aim to set a new benchmark in Indian cinema and take it to a global stage,” Singh shared.

The film, backed by a top-tier creative team, promises to deliver a cinematic spectacle and is slated for release on January 21, 2027, during the Republic Day weekend.