On June 6, 1674, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was installed as the ruler of Maratha Swaraj. On that day, producers Sandeep Singh, AVS Studios, and Ravi Jadhav unveiled the first image from their upcoming film Bal Shivaji, which will feature Akash Thosar in the title character. Bal Shivaji is expected to be the first Marathi production to be created on a large scale and with a high production value.
Bal Shivaji will depict the brave Maratha ruler’s formative years, providing engrossing and intriguing facts about what happened in his life between the ages of 12 and 16.
Filmmaker Sandeep Singh said, “Everyone knows Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but little is known about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s formative years – his childhood. When Ravi Jadhavji narrated the story, I was mesmerised. The story is about mother and son and how Shivaji was brought up to be the world’s most fearless and brave warrior.”
“When I watched Sairat, I knew that this new kid on the block had the spark to grab eyeballs and garner millions of fans. The box office collection of the film proved that. According to us, nobody but Akash Thosar can play Bal Shivaji,” he added.
Director Ravi Jadhav said, “My film will show the invaluable contribution made by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s parents, Jijamata and Shahaji Raje Bhosale, building a strong foundation for him as a child. How from a young age his skills were sharpened as a warrior and a ruler. I worked on the script for nine years and am now all charged up to execute my vision on screen. This is the first time that I will be making history as a director. Sandeep Singh understood the significance of telling the tale of valour. Akash Thosar was our unanimous choice to play the lead in the film. He has the regal look and the personality to play the young king. I am impressed with his enthusiasm and keenness to essay the role.”
Vishal Gurnani, Co-Founder, AVS Studios said, “Bal Shivaji promises to take Marathi cinema to even great heights, and we are here to tell the most intriguing story of the world’s youngest warrior. This kind of film has not been made in Marathi cinema so far. It is our honour and privilege to work with Ravi Jadhav sir and with Akash Thosar and we are truly excited.”
Abhishek Vyas, Co-Founder, AVS Studios said, “In this era where big visual spectacles and larger-than-life impactful stories are getting the audience back to the theatres, it’s our endeavour to create great cinematic experiences across markets and make films that appeal to a wide audience across the country. Though Bal Shivaji is a story generated out of Maharashtra but with the way it’s being made, it has all potential to have a wide universal appeal. We are very excited to see Ravi Jadhav sir bring this vision into reality.”
Sandeep Singh, Sam Khan, Ravi Jadhav, Vishal Gurnani, Juhi Parekh Mehta, and Abhishek Vyas are the producers of Bal Shivaji.
Bal Shivaji will be directed by Ravi Jadhav and scripted by Chinmay Mandlekar and Ravi Jadhav under the auspices of Legend Studios, AVS Studios, and Ravi Jadhav Films. The movie, which was extensively filmed around Maharashtra, will be released before the end of this year.