Filmmaker Abhijeet Deshpande’s historical Har Har Mahadev (2022) has been in the news ever since it was announced earlier this year. Speculation on the actor who would play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was also on.
The makers have now revealed that Subodh Bhave will be essaying the role of the founder of Maratha empire in the movie.
The actor also played the titular character in Deshpande’s directorial debut Aani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar (2018). The film was a biopic on Marathi theatre’s superstar Dr Kashinath Ghanekar.
Speaking about his association with the film, Bhave said in a statement, “The mere name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj instantly brings out the emotions of utmost respect and pride. He is a source of inspiration for not only Marathis but for people of all other communities. I feel fortunate to have gotten a chance to play a king with such qualities.
He continued, "As an actor, we are always eager to play challenging characters. For me, this dream role is not just a challenge but also a responsibility, which I do understand. I have put in genuine efforts to lift this bow and arrow.”
Bhave also hoped that the film would reach more audiences. He added, “At the end of the day, there are some roles that provide you with happiness and satisfaction. This role has provided me that along with a new outlook towards life. With Abhijeet Deshpande’s skilful direction, watertight script and Zee Studios’ high production value, my happiness is doubled while sharing that Har Har Mahadev will be released in other languages too apart from Marathi.”
This is the fifth time that Bhave will be playing a real-life character after Balgandharva (2011), Lokmanya: Ek Yugpurush (2015), Aani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar (2018) and the upcoming Hindi movie Sant Tukaram (2023). The latter went on floors last week.
Produced by Zee Studios and Shree Ganesh Marketing and Films, Har Har Mahadev is due to be released during Diwali in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada as well.