T-Series frames this as a noble duty to honor Maharashtra’s legacy, citing Bhushan Kumar’s 'deep sense of responsibility' to bring the story of Swarajya to global audiences.
Insiders are buzzing about the sheer scale of this merger. T-Series, the king of YouTube and Bollywood blockbusters, is betting its massive distribution muscle on Rishab Shetty’s regional credibility. Is this the blueprint for how pan-Indian epics get made now?
1. Filming begins early 2027. 2. 'Kantara: Chapter 1' grossed over $91 million worldwide. 3. Bhushan Kumar presented Shetty with a century-old painting of Shivaji Maharaj to seal the deal.
This isn't just a movie; it's a strategic annexation of regional prestige by Bollywood's biggest machine. Watch closely.
The industry giant T-Series has officially boarded the train for "The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," a historical epic that is already generating massive chatter. Directed by Sandeep Singh and starring "Kantara" sensation Rishab Shetty as the legendary Maratha king, the project has undergone a significant evolution. What was initially announced in December 2024 as a single narrative is now confirmed as a two-part saga.
This expansion signals the sheer ambition behind the production, which aims to cover Shivaji Maharaj’s major battles, victories, and the lesser-known episodes of his life, all centered on his concept of Swarajya. Filming is set to commence in early 2027, giving the production team nearly a year for pre-production groundwork. The partnership was sealed with a symbolic gesture that screams grandeur: Bhushan Kumar, the head of T-Series, presented Rishab Shetty with a century-old painting of the Maratha ruler.
This isn't just a business deal; it's being framed as a passing of the torch. Shetty joins the production as a co-producer alongside Kumar and his brother Krishan Kumar. The involvement of Legend Studios and co-producers Shiv Chanana and Kabiir Sadanand adds layers to the financial structure, but the core alliance between Shetty’s creative vision and T-Series’ distribution power is the real headline here.
Why is T-Series making this move? Bhushan Kumar didn't mince words about his motivation. "Maharashtra and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have given us a legacy to be proud of, and I believe it is our responsibility to honor that legacy through cinema and share it with the world," Kumar stated.
He cited Shetty’s ability to bring legendary figures to life, calling the team the right combination to bring the "courage, vision and spirit of Swarajya to audiences across generations." For T-Series, Kumar emphasized, this is "more than a film; it is a tribute." The context for this release is heated. Shivaji Maharaj is a frequent subject in Indian cinema, with recent hits like "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior" (2020) and "Chhaava" (2025) dominating the box office.
Most notably, Riteish Deshmukh’s "Raja Shivaji," released in May, became the highest-grossing Marathi film of all time. Shetty’s own track record is equally impressive; his 2022 hit "Kantara" won him the National Film Award for best actor, and its prequel, "Kantara: Chapter 1," grossed over $91 million worldwide in 2025. With a large ensemble cast and a creative team blending Indian and international talent, "The Pride of Bharat" is positioning itself to dominate the 2027 conversation. The tea is clear: T-Series is leveraging Shetty’s regional dominance to create a pan-Indian event, and the stakes have never been higher.
