Ashutosh Gowariker kicks off Panipat with set construction of iconic Shaniwarwada

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has begun work on his next massive project, Panipat. The director shared a picture of himself and set designer Nitin Desai offering prayers before they begin work on the construction of the iconic Shanivarwada for the film. 

Panipat will be based on the disastrous Third Battle of Panipat which resulted in the fall of the Maratha empire in the 18th century. The film will star Arjun Kapoor as the Peshwa minister, Sadashivrao Bhau, and Sanjay Dutt as Ahmed Shah Abdali. 

It seems appropriate then that the director has begun work on the film with the iconic Shaniwarwada which was the residence of the Peshwas. The palace and its courtyard has already featured on screen once for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani (2016). 

Desai, who also designed the sets for Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar (2008). The production designer can be seen in the picture with a replica of the entire set already prepared. 

Panipat is expected to be released on 6 December 2019.