After two years of research and post-production challenge, this new Marathi film, suitably titled ‘Prabho Shivaji Raja’, is all set for release shortly. This is an animated historical drama based on the life and times of the legendary Maratha warrior – Chhatrapathi Shivaji Raje.

Produced by infinity visual and MEFAC, ‘Prabho Shivaji Raja’, is slated for summer release. Narrated by senior actor Sachin Khedekar, this 100 minute, cinemascope animation film captures all the important landmarks in Shivaji’s life – from the Mughal period, his birth, influences, declaration of swarajgya, big battles and finally his coronation. The film also has songs sung by leading singers like Shankar Mahadevan and Swapnil Bandodkar.

The film’s screenplay is a result of deep research by senior historians like Shri Babasaheb Purandare and Neenad Bedekar. The story, script and the screenplay of ‘Prabho Shivaji Raja’ is based on research of available documents, letters, bakhar (scripts written on Shivaji in 16th century ) and have been put together by Neenad Bedekar, who has been closely associated with studying the story of this great Maratha leader. Babasaheb Purandare has also vetted the script thus ensuring the stamp of authenticity. The character of Shivaji was created on the basis of only one original sketch available at his time by a Dutch artist, which was certified by Sadashivbhau Sathe, a famous sculptor.

“Animation is ideal way of storytelling and the Shivaji is ideal character for this form. We want the viewers to forget that it is a movie, a make believe world. We want it to be universal in its appeal and transcend boundaries of race, community and language and appeal to audiences in India and globally alike,” explains director Nilesh Muley.

The film’s music direction is by Bharat Balwali, which adds to the universal appeal and the background score by Nandu Ghanekar is designed using classical Indian instruments and electronics instruments. “We studied the work of Kavi Bhushan who wrote Shivaji’s poems and involved those as part of the music score,” says Nandu Ghanekar.