Amit Rai Shelves Shivaji Biopic with Shahid Kapoor

Mumbai: In an unexpected development, acclaimed filmmaker Amit Rai has officially shelved his ambitious historical biopic on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was set to star Shahid Kapoor in the lead role. While the exact reasons for the project's cancellation remain under wraps, Rai offered a candid reflection on the systemic challenges plaguing the film industry in a recent interview. Rai, who won both critical and commercial praise for his 2023 hit OMG 2, expressed deep disappointment at the shelving of the project, revealing the emotional toll it took after years of preparation. “The system is so cruel,” he said. “Even after delivering a film that grossed ₹180 crore, it’s not enough. You live with a story for five years, and someone reduces it to a five-page critique.” Despite the setback, Rai is not stepping away from cinema. Instead, he announced plans to independently produce his next film, a project he promises will blend compelling narratives with cutting-edge visual storytelling. Teaming up with Hungarian cinematographer M1te Herba and motion-capture expert Isaac Hamon, Rai is embracing a global creative vision for his upcoming venture. Actors from OMG 2, Pankaj Tripathi and Akshay Kumar, have already shown interest in collaborating with Rai again. Tripathi is confirmed for the new project, while discussions with Kumar are ongoing. Rai lauded both actors for their integrity and commitment to meaningful cinema. “Few actors are honest,” he observed. “Many choose commercial love stories over films that speak the truth.” Rai’s last film, OMG 2, which addressed the taboo around sex education in India, faced tough competition from Gadar 2 but still struck a chord with audiences, reaffirming the director’s belief in content-driven filmmaking. Meanwhile, Shahid Kapoor, who was set to portray the iconic Maratha warrior in the now-cancelled biopic, is currently focused on his upcoming projects, including a reported sequel to Cocktail, alongside Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. Though the Shivaji project has been shelved, Amit Rai’s passion for socially resonant storytelling remains undiminished. His next venture, fueled by creative freedom and a trusted team, promises to continue challenging cinematic conventions—on his own terms.