Har Har Mahadev To Sinhagad: 5 Indian Movies That Revolve Around The Life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Movies made on Shivaji Maharaj: Founder of Maratha Empire, a challenger to Mughal rule in India and a prominent king of the Maratha, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is revered as a legendary figure in the country’s history. Many directors, writers and actors have attempted to archive his story to tell it to every new generation. For today’s generation cinema is an accessible way to enjoy history with flavors of Indian filmmaking. 

Har Har Mahadev

Helmed by Abhijeet Deshpande, the Marathi language epic drama chronicles the events of Battle of Pavan Khind. Baji Prabhu Deshpande, a general of Shivaji, played a crucial role in the battle to protect him from the enemy army. He sacrificed himself to ensure the flag bearer of the Maratha Empire could live to sustain his people.

Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior 

Based on the life of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, the film stars Sharad Kelkar in the intermittent role of Shivaji Maharaj who acted a guide and confidant to Tanaji during his fight with the Mughal army at the Battle of Sinhagad. 

Farzand 

Dedicated to Kondaji Farzand, the most loyal soldier of Shivaji Maharaj, the movie is directed by Digpal Lanjekar. It is the first film in the Shri Shivraj Ashtak film series starring Chinmay Mandlekar in the eponymous role of Shivaji Maharaj. The film archives the incidents of the Battle of Panhala.    

Chhatrapati Shivaji 

The 1952 film directed by Bhalji Pendharkar stars Parshwanath Yeshwant Altekar, Chandrakant, and Gajanan Jagirdar. The movie is one of the few films to chronicle the life story of Shivaji Maharaj from his birth to the coronation of Shivaji as ‘Chhatrapati’. An insightful watch for the geeks of history and the Maratha Empire.   

Sinhagad 

Another film focusing on the events of the Battle of Sinhagad, the movie depicts the mournful event of the sacrifice of Tanaji Malusare in attempts to win the fort of Udaybhanu while battling it. Following his death, Shivaji fought and won the fight but lost his most trusted Lieutenant Tanaji Malusare. 

The legacy of Shivaji Maharaj was continued by his clan which continues to sing his folklore in their families. The films made on his life continue to keep him alive in the hearts of India's history and its people.