The highly anticipated historical drama on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was set to star Shahid Kapoor in the titular role and be directed by Amit Rai, has officially been shelved. Director Amit Rai confirmed the disappointing news in a recent interview with Mid-Day, expressing profound frustration with what he termed the “cruel system” and ongoing systemic problems within the film industry.
For over five years, Amit Rai had dedicated himself to bringing the epic life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the big screen, with Shahid Kapoor attached to play the legendary Maratha warrior. The project, backed by producers Dil Raju and Wakaoo Films, had generated considerable excitement among history enthusiasts and cinephiles alike. However, in a candid conversation with Mid-Day, Rai revealed that despite his passion and the film’s potential, the project would not see the light of day. He conveyed a sense of helplessness, describing how an ambitious vision can be dismantled in minutes within the industry’s complex workings.
Director Amit Rai Slams Industry’s “Cruel System”
Amit Rai, fresh off the critical and commercial success of “OMG 2” (which grossed over ₹180 crore), did not mince words when discussing the reasons behind the shelving. He openly criticized the pervasive systemic issues within Bollywood that he believes stifle creativity and make it incredibly difficult for directors to operate.
“The system is so cruel,” Rai lamented in the interview. ” Delivering a ₹180 crore hit still doesn’t guarantee support. How can a director function within a system dictated by casting politics, production hurdles, star power, and managerial interference? You nurture a story for five years, only for someone to dismiss it with a five-page critique, highlighting flaws and merits in mere minutes.”
Rai’s comments echo a growing sentiment within the industry about the challenges faced by filmmakers, particularly concerning securing funding, navigating the “star system,” and dealing with often arbitrary decision-making processes that prioritize commercial viability over artistic merit or historical significance. He also touched upon the difficulty of casting, noting that “an actor will only do what’s working at the box office.”
Shahid Kapoor Moves On: Filming Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Romeo”
While the Shivaji biopic remains an unfulfilled dream, Shahid Kapoor has already moved forward with his next major project. The actor is currently busy filming Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming action thriller, now officially titled “Romeo” (previously rumored as “Arjun Ustara”).
Backed by Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, ‘Romeo’ features a stellar ensemble cast including Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Randeep Hooda, and Vikrant Massey in pivotal roles. The film is slated to release on December 5, 2025. Kapoor’s immediate focus on this project underscores his commitment to his ongoing slate despite the previous project’s cancellation.
Rai’s experience, despite his recent success with “OMG 2,” highlights that even established directors can face significant hurdles when attempting to mount ambitious and truthful stories. His candidness brings these underlying issues to the forefront of public discussion, potentially encouraging introspection and change within the industry.
Future of Amit Rai: Turning Producer
Reports suggest that he has chosen to independently bankroll his next project, titled ‘Dharma’. This move will allow him greater creative control and freedom from the systemic pressures he critiqued. ‘Dharma’ is expected to feature Pankaj Tripathi, reuniting with his ‘OMG 2’ director, while Akshay Kumar has also expressed interest in the project—reflecting the strong trust and admiration actors have for Amit Rai’s storytelling prowess.
The shelving of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj film, despite its historical significance and star power, serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate and often challenging realities of filmmaking in India. Amit Rai’s courageous voice further fuels the necessary conversations about building a more conducive and artist-friendly environment for creative talent.
