Director Amit Rai, fresh off the success of OMG 2, has expressed deep disappointment after his ambitious film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, starring Shahid Kapoor, was unexpectedly shelved.
A Director’s Disappointment
Amit Rai recently shared his frustration with the film industry’s inner workings, calling the system “cruel.” He revealed that despite his previous film, OMG 2, earning a massive Rs 180 crore at the box office, it wasn’t enough to safeguard his next project.
Rai lamented that five years of hard work on the Shivaji film have now been undone. He spoke about the challenges directors face, dealing with various aspects like casting, production, star power, and management.
He highlighted the disheartening experience of investing years into a story, only for a quick review to dismiss it. This reflects a broader issue within Bollywood, where even proven success doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing for future ventures.
The Shelved Shivaji Project
The film, which would have seen Shahid Kapoor in the lead role as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was reportedly set to be produced by Telugu film producer Dil Raju. News of the collaboration had surfaced in 2024, building anticipation for the historical drama.
This isn’t the first time Shahid Kapoor has faced project delays or shelving. Previously, his film Ashwatthama, another ambitious venture, was put on hold due to budget constraints.
The shelving of the Shivaji project adds to a pattern where even big-scale films, despite having star power and directorial talent, struggle to make it to production.
The Reign of Maratha Kings on Screen
While Amit Rai’s Shivaji film faces an uncertain future, the historical genre, particularly stories about Maratha kings, continues to draw attention. Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Chhaava’, a film centered around a Maratha king, has emerged as one of the year’s biggest Hindi hits so far, demonstrating the audience’s appetite for such narratives.
Interestingly, another film focusing on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is already in the works. Actor-director Riteish Deshmukh has announced ‘Raja Shivaji,’ where he will not only direct but also portray the titular role.
This star-studded project is set to feature a powerful ensemble cast, including Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Amole Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh.
- Director Amit Rai’s five-year project on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, starring Shahid Kapoor, has been shelved.
- Rai critically described the industry as “cruel,” questioning if OMG 2’s Rs 180 crore success was insufficient proof of his capabilities.
- Shahid Kapoor has previously faced similar delays with other ambitious projects like Ashwatthama.
- Meanwhile, Riteish Deshmukh is actively developing his own film on Shivaji, titled ‘Raja Shivaji,’ with a large ensemble cast.
The shelving of Amit Rai’s film highlights the unpredictable nature of film production, even for established directors. It also underscores the continued interest in historical sagas, particularly those depicting the lives of revered figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, ensuring that more such stories will eventually make their way to the big screen.
