On the death anniversary of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, former IG Nashik Dr. B. G. Shekhar Patil (IPS) announced the production of a movie on Santaji Ghorpade, a revered Maratha general known for his expertise in guerrilla warfare. Ghorpade served as the 7th Senapati of the Maratha Empire during the reign of Chhatrapati Rajaram. The film, titled Randhurandhar Santaji, will be directed by national award-winning cinematographer and director Amol Gole.
Dr. B. G. Shekhar Patil, an ardent researcher of Maratha history, shared his journey of discovering Santaji Ghorpade’s legacy. “Since my teenage years, I have often reflected on the state of the Maratha Empire after the brutal killing of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj by Aurangzeb. To find answers, I dedicated five years to studying over 175 books, traveling nearly 8,000 kilometers to historical sites, and conducting extensive research. The sheer bravery of Santaji Ghorpade left a profound impact on me, which led to my book Shur Sarsenapati Santaji. The second edition of this book was released by Maharashtra CM Devendra Phadnavis.”
Announcing the film adaptation, he added, “On this significant day, I am honored to announce Randhurandhar Santaji, a film based on my book. This project is a tribute to the great General, who avenged Chhatrapati Shambhuraje’s assassination and played a crucial role in keeping the Maratha resistance against the Mughals alive.”
Director Amol Gole, who has worked on historical films like Mangal Pandey: The Rising, The Forgotten Hero: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and Pawankhind, expressed his excitement about helming this ambitious project. “It’s a privilege to bring a well-researched historical narrative to life. One of the key challenges in making a historical film is accurately recreating the era. Elements such as sets, costumes, and makeup play a vital role in ensuring authenticity. I am committed to being meticulous in these aspects.”
