Rishab Shetty, the South Indian actor who created a sensation with *Kantara* (2022) and the upcoming *Kantara: Chapter 1* (2025), is set to make his Bollywood debut. In the film titled *The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj*, Rishab will portray the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

A new update regarding the film has now emerged: Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar has joined the cast. The makers announced this on Monday.

**Bhumi to play the role of Belwadi Mallamma**

Bhumi Pednekar will portray the warrior queen Belwadi Mallamma in the film. Mallamma was a fearless warrior queen, remembered for her bravery and indomitable spirit.

Belwadi Mallamma formed the country's first all-female military unit—the first queen to do so. It is said that she fought against Shivaji Maharaj's army while carrying her four-month-old son in her arms.

**Key details about the film**

**Star Cast:** Rishab Shetty, Bhumi Pednekar, Shefali Shah, Arjun Rampal, and Vivek Oberoi.

**Director and Producer:** Sandeep Singh.

**Budget:** The film will be made in two parts with a budget exceeding ₹500 crore.

**Release Date:** The first part is expected to be released by January next year.

**Crew:** Includes international action coordinators who have worked on *Game of Thrones* and *The Witcher*.

**Production to begin this year**

National Award-winning composer Amit Trivedi will provide the music, while Prasoon Joshi will pen the lyrics. The story has been written by Rishi Virmani, and the makers plan to release the film in two parts. Production is expected to commence this year.

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