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Chhatrapati Shivaji Biopic Shelved: Director Amit Rai Slams Cruel System
Updated on: 23 July, 2025 04:41 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Shahid Kapoor and Amit Rai
A highly anticipated biopic on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was set to star Shahid Kapoor in the titular role and be directed by Amit Rai, has been shelved. This news comes as a major disappointment for cinema and history enthusiasts who were eagerly awaiting the historical drama. Director Amit Rai, known for his recent hit OMG 2, has publicly expressed his profound frustration, pointing fingers at systemic issues within the film industry.
Speaking to Mid-Day, the filmmaker attributed the decision to the "cruel system" prevalent in the industry. Rai articulated his frustration, stating, "The system is so cruel. Even if you have proved your mettle with a ₹180 crore film [OMG 2], it’s not enough. How is a director supposed to work here, under these systems of casting, production, star, and management?" He further highlighted the immense dedication an artist invests, living with a story for five years, only for it to be dismissed within minutes by a "five-pager, pointing out what is wrong and what is right in the film."
He also shed light on the difficulties of casting, noting that "An actor will only do what’s working at the box office. Very few actors were honest with me. Sometimes, they weren’t interested in being part of a film that’s speaking the truth about society, and instead wanted to do a love story."
Also Read: Mrunal Thakur Recalls Being Intimidated By Shahid Kapoor: "I Would Forget My Lines Because..."
Meanwhile, Shahid Kapoor was last seen in the film Deva and is reportedly set to star in the sequel to the 2012 film Cocktail.
The Shelved Dream Project
Reports had initially generated considerable buzz, confirming that producer Dil Raju was partnering with Wakaoo Films for this ambitious historical drama, with Shahid Kapoor as the lead and Amit Rai at the helm. However, in a recent interview, Rai confirmed that the project will not see the light of day. While keeping specific reasons for the shelving under wraps, his disappointment was evident as he critiqued the industry`s pervasive challenges.Speaking to Mid-Day, the filmmaker attributed the decision to the "cruel system" prevalent in the industry. Rai articulated his frustration, stating, "The system is so cruel. Even if you have proved your mettle with a ₹180 crore film [OMG 2], it’s not enough. How is a director supposed to work here, under these systems of casting, production, star, and management?" He further highlighted the immense dedication an artist invests, living with a story for five years, only for it to be dismissed within minutes by a "five-pager, pointing out what is wrong and what is right in the film."
He also shed light on the difficulties of casting, noting that "An actor will only do what’s working at the box office. Very few actors were honest with me. Sometimes, they weren’t interested in being part of a film that’s speaking the truth about society, and instead wanted to do a love story."
Also Read: Mrunal Thakur Recalls Being Intimidated By Shahid Kapoor: "I Would Forget My Lines Because..."
A New Path Forward: Self-Production
This disheartening experience has prompted Amit Rai to take matters into his own hands. He has now decided to produce his next project himself, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory. For his upcoming film, reportedly titled Dharma, he will collaborate with Hungarian cinematographer Máté Herba and renowned action and motion-capture specialist Isaac Hamon. OMG 2 actor Pankaj Tripathi is already on board, and even Akshay Kumar has shown interest in collaborating with Rai again, a testament to the respect these actors hold for his vision.Meanwhile, Shahid Kapoor was last seen in the film Deva and is reportedly set to star in the sequel to the 2012 film Cocktail.
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