Highlights
- Bhumi Pednekar has joined the cast of The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- She will play Belawadi Mallamma, the warrior queen known for her courage and determination.
- The film stars Rishab Shetty as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, alongside Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi.
- The project is expected to begin filming later this year, with pre-production currently in progress.
- Bhumi Pednekar also has an untitled courtroom drama lined up following her appearance in Daldal.
Bhumi Pednekar has officially become part of filmmaker Sandeep Singh's upcoming two-part historical saga, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The actor has been cast as Belawadi Mallamma, a warrior queen remembered for her bravery and unwavering spirit.
The film features Rishab Shetty in the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi also appearing in key roles. According to the makers, the large-scale production is expected to begin filming later this year, while extensive pre-production work is already underway.
Bhumi Pednekar to portray Belawadi Mallamma
Bhumi Pednekar will portray Belawadi Mallamma, a historical figure recognized for her courage and resilience. The role marks a new addition to the ensemble cast of the ambitious historical drama centered on the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Sharing her thoughts on joining the project, Pednekar said, "I'm deeply honoured to be part of the first-ever Indian cinematic spectacle of this scale on the life and legacy of the great Maratha warrior-king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It’s a privilege for me to play Karnataka’s brave warrior queen Belawadi Mallamma and to bring her to life on screen."
Bhumi Pednekar says Rishab Shetty's work inspired her decision
The actor also revealed that Rishab Shetty's performance in Kantara influenced her decision to accept the role.
"I am a huge Kantara fan, and the stunning performance by Rishab Shetty blew me away; hence, the moment Sandeep narrated the film, the actor in me instantly said yes. This is unlike anything I've done before, and I'm grateful to the makers for seeing me in a completely new light," she added.
Rishab Shetty leads the historical epic
Rishab Shetty headlines The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the celebrated Maratha ruler. The cast also includes Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi in prominent roles.
The film has been mounted as one of the biggest pan-India productions based on the Maratha warrior king. Production is scheduled to commence later this year, with the makers continuing preparations during the ongoing pre-production phase.
Creative team behind the film
Earlier this month, the makers announced that Amit Trivedi had joined the project as its music composer. The announcement came shortly after music composer Pritam revealed his decision to take a pause from mainstream music.
The screenplay has been written by Rishi Virmani, while National Award-winning lyricist Prasoon Joshi has been brought on board to write the lyrics.
Bhumi Pednekar's recent and upcoming projects
Before joining The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bhumi Pednekar was most recently seen in the crime thriller Daldal.
Looking ahead, she is also set to appear as a lawyer in Arif Sheikh's untitled courtroom drama.
What to expect from The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The two-part historical saga continues to expand its cast and creative team ahead of production. With Rishab Shetty leading the film as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bhumi Pednekar taking on the role of Belawadi Mallamma, the project is progressing toward its planned production schedule later this year.
The film also features Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi in significant roles, while Amit Trivedi, Rishi Virmani, and Prasoon Joshi form part of the creative team behind the ambitious pan-India production.
