Bhumi Pednekar joins Rishab Shetty in historical epic 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj'
Mumbai, July 27
Actress Bhumi Pednekar has officially joined the cast of 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj', the upcoming two-part historical epic produced by Sandeep Singh.
She will portray the legendary warrior queen Belawadi Mallamma alongside Rishab Shetty, who will headline the film in the titular role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh announced the casting on social media, writing: "RISHAB SHETTY IN & AS 'CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ': BHUMI SATISH PEDNEKKAR TO PORTAY WARRIOR QUEEN... #BhumiSatishPednekkar has been cast as #BelawadiMallamma, the fearless warrior queen remembered for her courage and unwavering spirit, in #SandeepSingh's ambitious two-part historical epic, #ThePrideOfBharat: #ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj."
The ensemble cast also features Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi in pivotal roles. Written by Rishi Virmani, the ambitious historical project is scheduled to begin principal photography later this year, with extensive pre-production already underway.
Bhumi Pednekar will essay the role of Queen Belawadi Mallamma, remembered for her courage, leadership and unwavering spirit. She is celebrated as one of India's earliest female rulers to form and lead a women's army against opposing forces.
The film has also assembled an acclaimed music team. National Award-winning composer Amit Trivedi will score the soundtrack, while National Award-winning lyricist Prasoon Joshi will write the songs.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm so excited! Rishab Shetty as Shivaji Maharaj is perfect casting after his brilliant work in Kantara. And Bhumi playing a warrior queen? Yes please! But I hope they focus on historical accuracy and not just make it another masala film. The music team of Amit Trivedi and Prasoon Joshi is top-notch though.
Two-part historical epic? That's ambitious. With Sandeep Singh producing, I'm cautiously optimistic. The casting of Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi is interesting—both have done historicals before. But my only concern: will they show Shivaji Maharaj's administrative genius or just focus on battles? His governance reforms were equally revolutionary.
As someone from Karnataka, I'm thrilled they're highlighting Belawadi Mallamma! She's a legendary figure here, and her story of resisting the Mughals alongside Shivaji Maharaj is inspiring. Bhumi Pednekar has that fiery spirit. But I hope they don't sensationalize or add unnecessary romance—let the history speak for itself.
Eagerly waiting for this! But I hope the film doesn't get stuck in political controversies like some recent historical dramas. Just show the valor and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj without any modern agenda. And please, let's have authentic Marathi dialogues with proper subtitles—not Hindi-accented nonsense.
Living in the US but still proud of Indian history. This looks promising! The idea of a warrior queen leading women soldiers in the 1600
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