Film based on Kolhapur's reformist ruler Shahu's life announced

This year marks the centenary of the death of Shahu Maharaj (26 June 1874–6 May 1922), the progressive ruler of the princely state of Kolhapur, and a Marathi film based on his life and work has been announced.

Titled Shahu Chhatrapati, the film will talk about the ruler who has been described as a 'rajrishi' (saintly king) and how he fought for the uplift of the downtrodden.

Shahu Maharaj played an essential role in the development of the backward classes, Dalits, farmers, students and women. He worked alongside and was in full support of social reformers such as Babasaheb Ambedkar, Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil and Prabodhankar KS Thackeray.

The film will be made based on decades of research by Jaysinghrao Pawar and is being presented by Jitendra Awhad, a minister in Maharashtra and a politician of the Nationalist Congress Party. It will be helmed by young director, Varun Sukhraj.

Interestingly, this biopic will be made in various languages apart from Marathi.