Bhumi Pednekar cast as warrior queen in Shivaji biopic

Actress Bhumi Pednekar has joined the cast of the two-part historical epic "The Pride of Bharat Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," where she will portray the 17th-century warrior queen Belawadi Mallamma. The film, directed and produced by Sandeep Singh, features Rishab Shetty in the title role of the revered Maratha ruler. The casting was announced on July 27, 2026, as the project enters an extensive pre-production phase, with principal photography scheduled to begin later this year.

Pednekar described the role as an honor and a responsibility, calling Belawadi Mallamma a symbol of courage, resilience, and fearless leadership. She said she was drawn to the project after Singh narrated the script, believing stories of women who shaped history deserve a larger platform. The actor also expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Shetty, whose performance in "Kantara" she admired.

The film recounts the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a central figure in Indian history. Belawadi Mallamma, a queen from present-day Karnataka, is celebrated for leading her forces against Shivaji's army in the 17th century. Historical accounts note that her courage and military leadership were such that...