Ravi Jadhav joins forces with Sandeep Singh, Anand Pandit and Eros International for biopic Bal Shivaji

Sandeep Singh's Legend Global Studio has joined hands with Eros International and Anand Pandit Motion Pictures to back Ravi Jadhav's film on the founder of the Maratha empire Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The saga is based on untold stories from the historical figure's life between the age of twelve and sixteen when he laid the foundation of Swarajya or self-rule.

Bal Shivaji will go on the floors in June 2022.

The announcement was made on the occasion of the 392nd birth anniversary of the Maratha king.

The film is also the second such biopic on the cultural icon announced in recent years. In 2020, director Nagraj Manjule had announced a trilogy on the life of the warrior king. However, the first instalment has not gone on the floors yet. Jadhav's film will focus on the formative years of the young king,and his rise to power. 

Incidentally, Prabhakar Pendhanrkar had directed a film on the same subject in 1981. Featuring Madhu Apte as the young king, the film was quite popular and proved to be a success. 

“It took eight years of research to achieve what we were aiming to narrate on celluloid,” said Jadhav who wanted to make a film on this subject since 2015. Jadhav met Singh last year and narrated the story. “It was an instant click with Sandeep, who understood the importance and significance of telling this story of valour. After all, it’s an ode to one of the greatest kings that have ever ruled in India, it certainly will be an inspiring film for all the youngsters across the globe,” he added.

“I always wanted to make a historical. So when Ravi approached me with this subject, it immediately worked for me. It’s an honour to make a film based on an iconic personality like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” said the producer. 

Pradeep Dwivedi, group CEO and executive director, Eros International Media Limited (EIML), feels that this is the right time to narrate the untold story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life. He says, “Shivaji Maharaj’s life story has been a part of every Indian growing up life. But after reading this script, we realized that there were so many lesser-known yet pivotal points in his formative years that made him the legend he became. With such a talented team in place, I am sure we will deliver an insightful and engaging film on the scale and grandeur of an international project.”