The Indian film industry is currently witnessing a massive resurgence for Arjun Rampal. Hot on the heels of the monumental success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge—where his portrayal of Major Iqbal earned him widespread critical acclaim—the veteran actor has officially signed on for his next big challenge. According to the reports, Arjun Rampal will play the primary antagonist in the upcoming historical epic, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
This pan-India project features Rishab Shetty in the titular role of the legendary Maratha warrior. The announcement has sparked significant buzz, as it pits two of the industry’s most intense performers against each other in a high-stakes period drama. Directed by Sandeep Singh, the film promises to be a large-scale cinematic tribute to one of India’s most revered historical figures.
Arjun Rampal is currently riding a wave of professional momentum. His performance in Dhurandhar proved that he remains one of the most formidable screen presences in the business. By choosing to play the main villain in The Pride of Bharat, Rampal continues his streak of taking on complex, high-gravity roles that demand more than just a physical presence.
In this new venture, Rampal will portray the primary adversary to Rishab Shetty’s Shivaji Maharaj. While the specific historical figure Rampal will inhabit remains under wraps, insiders suggest the role requires a “menacing sophistication” that matches the tactical brilliance of the Maratha King. This “hero vs. villain” dynamic is expected to be the emotional and physical anchor of the film.
Following the global phenomenon of Kantara, Rishab Shetty has become synonymous with grounded, powerful storytelling. Stepping into the shoes of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is perhaps his most ambitious undertaking to date. Shetty is known for his immersive preparation, and reports suggest he is already undergoing rigorous training in traditional warfare and the Marathi language to do justice to the role.
The film aims to capture the essence of Shivaji Maharaj’s vision for “Swarajya” (self-rule), focusing on his strategic genius and the indomitable spirit of the Maratha Empire.
A historical epic of this magnitude requires a cast that can carry the weight of history. The makers have made a masterstroke by casting Shefali Shah as Rajmata Jijabai, the mother and guiding force behind Shivaji Maharaj.
Shah, widely regarded as one of India’s finest actors, brings a level of gravitas to the project that ensures the film’s emotional core remains as strong as its action sequences. Her portrayal of the woman who shaped the destiny of the Maratha Empire is already being touted as a highlight of the production.
Director Sandeep Singh is leading the charge on this large-scale production. Known for his ambitious vision and ability to handle complex narratives, Singh has reportedly spent months on the research and pre-production of The Pride of Bharat.
The production schedule is set as follows:
- Filming Commencement: Second half of 2026.
- Production Scale: Multi-city shoot across historical locations in Maharashtra and high-tech studio sets.
- Official Release: January 2027.
The January 2027 release date strategically positions the film during the Republic Day window, a period that historically favours patriotic and historical epics at the Indian box office.
The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is shaping up to be more than just a history lesson; it is a cinematic event that celebrates Indian heritage through a modern lens. With Arjun Rampal’s career-high momentum and Rishab Shetty’s creative fire, the film is poised to be one of the biggest releases of 2027.
As production gears up for the latter half of 2026, all eyes will be on how Sandeep Singh balances the grand spectacle of Maratha history with the personal intensity of its lead actors.
