Raqesh Bapat looks ferocious and intimidating as Sarsenapati Hambirrao villain

Raqesh Bapat, who is well known for his performances in the films Aayna Ka Bayna (2013) and Savita Damodar Paranjpe (2018), is the latest addition to the cast of Pravin Tarde's upcoming historical epic Sarsenapati Hambirrao.

The actor is playing the main antagonist, Adilshahi general Sarja Khan, who fought against the titular military commander.

Bapat took to Instagram to reveal his character's appearance. With a long beard and turban, the actor looks ferocious and quite intimidating as Sarja Khan. 

Bapat, who has acted in a few Hindi films, hadn't been in a period drama. His last big-screen appearance in a Marathi movie was in the romantic drama WhatsApp Love (2019) where he was paired opposite Anuja Sathe.

Along with directing, Tarde is also playing the titular role in the film. Sarsenapati Hambirrao also features Upendra Limaye, Gashmeer Mahajani, Shruti Marathe, Mohan Joshi and Snehal Tarde.

Hambirrao Mohite was a commander in the army of seventeenth century warrior king Shivaji, founder of the Maratha empire, and later served under his son and successor Sambhaji. His daughter Tarabai was married to Shivaji's other son and Sambhaji's successor, Rajaram.

Produced by Sandeep Mohite Patil, Dharmendra Bora and Saujanya Nikam, Sarsenapati Hambirrao is slated to be released on 27 May.