February 20, 2025: The makers of the much-anticipated historical film The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have unveiled the first-look poster of the movie on the 395th birth anniversary of the legendary Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film stars Rishab Shetty in the titular role, portraying the iconic warrior king known for his courage, wisdom, and unyielding devotion to Swarajya.
The poster, shared on the film’s official social media accounts, shows Rishab Shetty embodying the strength and valor of Shivaji Maharaj. In the image, Shetty exudes power and honor, offering a glimpse of what audiences can expect from the film. The makers also added a powerful caption alongside the poster: “Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji! Har Har Mahadev!! On the 395th birth anniversary of the greatest warrior king, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, we proudly present the first look.”
The film promises to bring the extraordinary saga of Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery and leadership to the big screen. “It’s a supreme honor to bring his extraordinary saga of bravery, honor, and Swarajya to life with an exceptional team,” the caption reads. The movie is set to release worldwide on January 21, 2027.
Rishab Shetty expressed his gratitude and sense of responsibility for portraying the Maratha legend. In a statement, he said, “On the sacred birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, my heart swells with honor and responsibility. He was not just a warrior but the soul of Swarajya—a beacon of courage, wisdom, and devotion. To embody his spirit on screen is a divine calling, a journey that humbles me beyond words.”
In addition to his role in The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shetty has several other projects in the pipeline. He will play Lord Hanuman in Prashanth Varma’s Jai Hanuman, the sequel to his hit superhero film HanuMan. Additionally, he is also directing and starring in Kantara: Chapter 1, a prequel to his successful film Kantara, which is set for release later this year on October 2, 2025.