Akshay Kumar led 'Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat' biopic of Shivaji Maharaj stalled due to financial woes

‘Raja Shivaji’, an upcoming film centred on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has generated significant buzz among audiences. The biographical drama stars Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh, with Riteish also taking on the role of director. Scheduled for a theatrical release on Maharashtra Day, May 1, 2026, the film honours the enduring legacy of the Maratha Empire’s founder. Shivaji Maharaj’s story has previously been depicted in several Hindi and Marathi films. In addition, a separate project titled ‘Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat’ was announced in 2022, marking Akshay Kumar’s Marathi debut as he steps into the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

‘Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat’ production and delays

According to NewsBytes, Mahesh Manjrekar’s ‘Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat’ was planned as a multi-starrer, featuring Pravin Tarde, Hardeek Joshi, Vishal Nikam, Jay Dudhane, Utkarsha Shinde, and Virat Madke in prominent roles. The project began filming in December 2022 and was initially lined up for a Diwali 2023 release. Manjrekar had reportedly worked on the script for more than seven years. Despite being mounted on a grand scale, the Marathi film faced setbacks and could not meet its intended 2023 release timeline.

‘Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat’ faces financial trouble

Production of the film hit a major roadblock about halfway through when severe financial struggles faced by producer Vaseem Qureshi forced the project into an indefinite halt. Originally intended for a high-profile Diwali 2023 release alongside Tiger 3, the movie remains unfinished. Akshay Kumar, who had filmed for only three days in the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, eventually moved on from the project. While the biopic stayed stalled, Akshay has since completed and released several other films as scheduled, with his latest release being the Priyadarshan helmed 'Bhooth Bangla'.

‘Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat’ story and history

'Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat' shares a deep link with the story of Raja Shivaji, as it focuses on seven legendary warriors from the King’s army. The film recounts the historic Battle of Nesari on February 24, 1674, where these brave men, led by Senapati Prataprao Gujar, stood their ground against Bahlol Khan’s massive Adilshahi army. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the seven heroes—Visaji Ballal, Dipoji Rautrao, Vithal Pilaji Atre, Krishnaji Bhaskar, Siddi Hilal, and Vithoji—sacrificed their lives to protect the honor of the Maratha Empire. Their extraordinary bravery was later celebrated in the famous poem that gives the film its title.

‘Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat’ revival

The film was meant to bring the story of the seven Maratha warriors to the big screen for the first time. With Raja Shivaji set for release, there is a chance the project could be revived, but there has been no official update yet. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar remains occupied with a new film featuring Vidya Balan.

‘Raja Shivaji’ cast and release details

‘Raja Shivaji’ will release in both Hindi and Marathi and features Abhishek Bachchan, Bhagyashree, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Sachin Khedekar, Jitendra Joshi, and Amol Gupte in key roles.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”