December 3, 2024: Rishab Shetty, the National Award-winning actor renowned for his powerhouse performance in Kantara, is set to take on one of the most exciting and ambitious roles of his career in the historical drama The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This grand cinematic retelling will chronicle the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of India’s most revered warrior kings, known for his valiant efforts to protect his kingdom from Mughal invaders and his role in reshaping Indian history.
Directed by Sandeep Singh, The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj promises to be a visual spectacle, blending groundbreaking action sequences, stunning VFX, and a powerful musical score to bring the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj to life on the silver screen. With a production team that includes global technicians and experts, the movie is poised to set a new benchmark for historical dramas in Indian cinema.
Rishab Shetty, who has already earned immense praise for his work in Kantara, expressed his excitement about taking on this iconic role, saying, “Playing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is an honour beyond words. He is a national hero whose impact transcends history, and I feel immense pride in bringing his story to the screen.” The film will release globally on January 21, 2027, marking what is sure to be a significant event for cinema lovers, particularly those interested in Indian history.
Rishab Shetty’s journey in cinema has been nothing short of remarkable. In Kantara, which he both directed and starred in, he portrayed dual roles as Shiva and his father, a Daiva Kola performer. The film, which combined elements of folklore, spirituality, and action, became a massive success, captivating audiences worldwide. In fact, the film’s teaser for the upcoming Kantara: Chapter 1 (scheduled for release on October 2, 2025) further heightens anticipation, as it features a unique musical composition representing seven different ragas, each corresponding to the seven languages in which the film will be released.
In Kantara, the gripping story of Shiva’s spiritual journey culminates with a powerful moment where he vanishes into the forest, mirroring his father’s own disappearance—a moment that left audiences in awe. The film’s setting, believed to take place between 300-401 AD during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty in Karnataka’s Uttar Kannada region, adds to its mythological depth. The extensive sets of Kantara were built with the help of over 600 carpenters from Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, showcasing the level of dedication and craftsmanship involved in its production.
Apart from The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rishab Shetty has an exciting slate of upcoming films. He will be starring in Prasanth Varma’s much-anticipated sequel to Hanu-Man, titled Jai Hanuman, though the release date is still undisclosed.
Additionally, the Kantara franchise will continue to captivate audiences with its rich cultural storytelling, mythology, and emotional depth. With Kantara Chapter 1 scheduled for October 2, 2025, Rishab Shetty’s incredible journey as both a filmmaker and actor continues to unfold with numerous exciting projects on the horizon.
Rishab Shetty’s upcoming ventures, particularly The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, promise to elevate his career to new heights, allowing him to tackle a monumental role in a grand historical saga. With his commitment to creating compelling and visually striking narratives, Rishab is undoubtedly a star to watch, and these projects will only solidify his place as one of the most versatile and talented actors in Indian cinema today.