2. Plot Summary

• Based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire.
• Key Events:
  • After Shivaji’s death, Aurangzeb assumes Maratha resistance will collapse.
  • Sambhaji attacks Burhanpur, a key Mughal center.
  • Kills a lion barehanded, symbolizing his bravery.
  • Aurangzeb launches a massive campaign, but Sambhaji fights using guerrilla tactics.
  • Internal conflicts: Soyarabai (Sambhaji’s stepmother) plots against him.
  • Captured, tortured, and executed by Aurangzeb, yet his legacy inspires resistance.
  • The film ends with the Marathas’ eventual triumph and the collapse of the Mughal Empire.

3. Cast

• Vicky Kaushal – Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
• Rashmika Mandanna – Yesubai Bhonsale (Sambhaji’s wife)
• Akshaye Khanna – Aurangzeb
• Diana Penty – Zinatun Nissa Begum (Aurangzeb’s daughter)
• Ashutosh Rana – Hambirrao Mohite
• Divya Dutta – Soyarabai (Sambhaji’s stepmother)
• Varun Buddhadev – Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj (Sambhaji’s stepbrother)
• Ajay Devgn – Narrator (voiceover in the opening sequence)
• Supporting Cast: Santosh Juvekar, Vineet Kumar Singh, Pradeep Rawat, and others.

4. Production Details

Development

• Director: Laxman Utekar
• Producer: Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films)
• Inspired by: Marathi novel Chhava by Shivaji Sawant
• Preproduction: Began in April 2023
• Filming: October 2023 – May 2024

Research & Authenticity

• One year of research on 17th-century Maratha history.
• Filming locations visited: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Pune, Ratnagiri.
• Costume Design: Authentic Paithani sarees and 500-year-old fabric borders.
• Jewelry & Props: Based on museum references (including Bhavani sword).
• Vicky Kaushal’s Look: Inspired by historical busts and statues of Sambhaji.

Casting & Training

• Vicky Kaushal:
  • 4 months training (sword fighting, horse riding).
  • Gained 25 kg for the role.
• Aurangzeb role: Initially Anil Kapoor was approached; finalized on Akshaye Khanna.
• Santosh Juvekar: Cast after a last-minute role change.

Filming

• Locations: Raigad, Wai, and other historical sites.
• Grand Set: Sambhaji’s coronation scene featured an eight-sided throne.

Post-Production

• VFX: Handled by Assemblage Entertainment & ReDefine.
• CBFC Rating: U/A 16+ (with modifications to certain dialogues/scenes).
• Runtime: 161 minutes 50 seconds.

5. Music

• Composer: A. R. Rahman
• Lyricists: Irshad Kamil, Kshitij Patwardhan
• Album Release: 13 February 2025

Singles:

1. Jaane Tu – Released on 31 January 2025 (Sung by Arijit Singh)
2. Aaya Re Toofan – Released on 6 February 2025 (Sung by A. R. Rahman & Vaishali Samant)

Tracklist:

1. Jaane Tu
2. Aaya Re Toofan
3. Zinda Rahey
4. Teri Chaahat
5. The Roar
6. Rudra
7. The Crown

6. Marketing

• Teaser: Released on 19 August 2024 (Raksha Bandhan).
• Trailer: Released on 22 January 2025.
• Controversy:
  • A scene showing Sambhaji & Yesubai performing Lezim dance was removed after backlash from Maharashtrian political figures.

7. Release

• Original Release Date: 6 December 2024 (Postponed).
• Final Release Date: 14 February 2025.
• International Release: Also released in Russia.

8. Critical Reception

Positive Aspects

• Vicky Kaushal’s performance was highly praised.
• Grand visuals, action sequences, & emotional depth were appreciated.

Criticisms

• Some found the film lacked depth in exploring Sambhaji’s complex character.
• The narrative was seen as overly loud & violent.

Ratings

• Rediff: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Zee News: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Times Now: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
• Filmfare: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
• The Times of India: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
• The Week: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
• NDTV: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
• The Indian Express: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
• The Quint: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)

9. Box Office Performance

• Opening Day: ₹33.10 crore (US$3.8 million) in India.
• Opening Weekend: ₹157 crore (US$18 million) worldwide.
• Total Gross: ₹246.37 crore (US$28 million).

10. Key Highlights

• Vicky Kaushal’s physical transformation & intense performance.
• Authentic recreation of the 17th-century Maratha era.
• A. R. Rahman’s powerful soundtrack.
• Focus on guerrilla warfare & Sambhaji’s defiance against Aurangzeb.

11. References

• Interviews with Laxman Utekar.
• Production details from Maddock Films.
• Reviews from major publications:
  • The Times of India, NDTV, Filmfare, Zee News, Rediff, The Indian Express.