| Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: Part 1 | |||||||||
| Director: | Tushar Shelar | ||||||||
| Producer: | Shekhar Mohitepatil Saujanya Nikam Dharmendra Bora Ketanraje Bhosale | ||||||||
| Starring: | |||||||||
| Music: | Mohit Kulkarni | ||||||||
| Cinematography: | Mahesh Aney
| ||||||||
| Editing: | Shiva Bayappa | ||||||||
| Studio: | Urvita Productions | ||||||||
| Runtime: | 174 minutes | ||||||||
| Country: | India | ||||||||
| Language: | Marathi | ||||||||
Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: Part 1 is a 2024 Indian Marathi-language epic historical war film directed by Tushar Shelar and produced by Shekhar Mohitepatil, Saujanya Nikam, Dharmendra Bora, and Ketanraje Bhosale under Urvita Productions.[1] [2] It features Thakur Anoop Singh in the title role[3] alongside Amruta Khanvilkar, Pradeep Rawat, Sanjay Khapre, Bhargavi Chirmule, Kamlesh Sawant, Kishori Shahane and Raj Zutshi in pivotal roles.[4] [5] It narrates the courageous journey of historic warrior, as he defends the Maratha Empire and Hindu faith against the Mughal Empire, showcasing his bravery, tactical genius, and unwavering spirit, solidifying his legacy as a revered protector of his people and culture.
It was theatrically released on 22 November 2024 in Marathi and Hindi languages.[6] [7]
Following the grand success of the Marathi film Sarsenapati Hambirrao, Urvita Productions announced Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, in January 2023, marking the studio's second major production.[8] [9] Principal photography took place at Rajwada in Bhor, Jaoli village, and Vijaydurg Fort, with the first schedule of filming completed in November 2023, followed by the start of the second schedule in December.[10] Initially, details about the cast were kept highly confidential, but in May 2024, it was revealed that Thakur Anoop Singh, Amruta Khanvilkar, and Kishori Shahane would play the lead roles, with this film marking the first time Shahane has portrayed a historical character in her thirty-seven-year career.[11] [12]
The soundtrack album is composed by Mohit Kulkarni. On November 4, 2024, the much-anticipated title track was released in both Marathi and Hindi languages, showcasing the bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice, symbolizing the valiant spirit of the king.[13] [14] The second single, "Vaat Pahe Shambhuraya" was released on 11 November 2024, featuring Khanvilkar and Singh, with vocals by Shreya Ghoshal and choreography by Omkar Mane in both languages.[15] The song beautifully captures the love, devotion, and historical bond between the two characters.[16]
On the occasion of Sambhaji Maharaj's birth anniversary, on 14 May 2024, the first look poster of the movie featuring Singh's character was unveiled in a grand event in Pune organized by Suryoday Pratishthan, led by Navnath Pathare Patil, in the presence of thousands of devotees of Chhatrapati. Character reveals began on the first day of Navaratri, starting with Khanvilkar’s portrayal of Maharani Yesubai in a yellow saree and traditional Maharashtrian jewelry, praying before a Shivling, followed by Shahane’s portrayal of Jijamata in a green saree holding a child wrapped in orange cloth,[17] and Chimule as Dharamata, seated with a toddler and teaching him to wield a sword and shield.[18] Other key characters, including Saibai Bhonsale, Soyarabai Bhonsale, Kondaji Farzand, Rajaram Maharaj, the Mavalas and the Siddhis, were also revealed during this period.
Initially scheduled for release on 15 November 2024, the film was later postponed by a week, with the official teaser, launched on 11 October 2024, offered a glimpse of Singh in character and announcing the new release date of 22 November.[19] [20] The much-awaited trailer of 2 minutes 36 seconds was released in both Hindi and Marathi on 12 November 2024, during a grand launch event at PVR, City Mall, Mumbai.[21] The event was attended by the film's cast and crew, including Thakur Anoop Singh, Pradeep Rawat, Bhargavi Chirmule, Amruta Khanvilkar, Anand Pimpalkar, all four producers, and Pens Studios founder Jayantilal Gada. A day before the trailer launch, producer Sandeep Mohitepatil met with Udayanraje Bhosale and MLA Shivendrasinh Raje Bhosale, members of the Chhatrapati family, to give them a special preview of the trailer. The trailer received a positive response from the audience, generating anticipation for the film’s release.[22]