Bhumi Pednekar Joins Rishab Shetty's 'The Pride of Bharat' as Warrior Queen Belawadi Mallamma

Bhumi Pednekar has officially joined the cast of Sandeep Singh's ambitious two-part historical epic, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The actress will essay the role of Belawadi Mallamma, the legendary warrior queen of Karnataka, who is remembered for her extraordinary courage and leadership in the 17th century.

According to historical accounts, Belawadi Mallamma defended her fort against the forces of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj around 1678, commanding an army of nearly 2,000 women soldiers. Her fearless resistance and unwavering determination have earned her a revered place in Karnataka's history.

Sharing her excitement, Bhumi Pednekar described it as a privilege to portray such an inspiring historical figure. She said she immediately accepted the role after hearing the script, adding that stories like Mallamma's deserve to be celebrated on the big screen. The actress also praised co-star Rishab Shetty, calling herself a longtime admirer of his work in Kantara and expressing confidence that he would deliver a memorable performance as Shivaji Maharaj.

The film stars Rishab Shetty in the titular role, with Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi playing pivotal characters. The screenplay has been written by Rishi Virmani, while National Award-winning composer Amit Trivedi will compose the music, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi.

Initially conceived as a single feature, the project has now expanded into a two-part saga, reflecting its grand scale. Industry reports suggest the historical epic is being mounted on a budget exceeding ₹500 crore. With filming set to begin later this year, the pan-India production aims to combine spectacular action, historical authenticity, and rich cultural storytelling to bring the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to audiences across the world.