Riteish Deshmukh says Nagraj Manjule to direct Shivaji Maharaj trilogy

Filmmaker Nagraj Manjule, actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh and music composer duo Ajay-Atul had announced a trilogy on the life of Shivaji Maharaj on the occasion of Shivaji Jayati, on 19 February 2020. But there was no announcement on who would direct the films. However, it has now been confirmed that Manjule will be directing the trilogy.

This was revealed by Deshmukh during an interview with the tabloid Mumbai Mirror, where he also spoke of his desire to work with Manjule. "I had wanted to work with Nagraj ever since I watched Fandry (2014), Manjule’s debut film. This was before Sairat (2016) released. He too, wanted to make a film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. When we met, everything just fell into place,” the actor added. 

“A film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a big responsibility. We have to be true to real events as people respect this great personality. Hopefully, we will do justice to the subject,” he said.  

The films have been titled Shivaji, Raja Shivaji and Chhatrapati Shivaji. They will trace the life and times of Shivaji, from his early days to his coronation as the Maratha ruler. The first film will be released in 2021.