Arjun Rampal bags antagonist role in Rishab Shetty’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after Dhurandhar? Here's what we know
Arjun Rampal received praise for Major Iqbal role in Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar. Now, a report claimed that Arjun has joined the cast of Rishab Shetty’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as an antagonist.
Last Updated: 07.18 PM, Mar 20, 2026
In Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Arjun Rampal takes on the role of Major Iqbal, a cold and calculating ISI mastermind inspired by Ilyas Kashmiri. His portrayal highlights a merciless antagonist linked to the 26/11 attacks and responsible for orchestrating large-scale terror operations. He received a lot of praise, and amid this, a report claimed that Arjun has joined the cast of Rishab Shetty’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as an antagonist.
What role will Arjun Rampal play in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
Variety India reported that Arjun Rampal will be seen as one of the main antagonists in Rishab Shetty's The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj film. The cast also includes Shefali Shah as Rajmata Jilabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Directed by Sandeep Singh, the film is slated to go on floors in the latter half of this year.
The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is considered a sweeping cinematic tribute, blending scale with storytelling to honour the indomitable spirit, tactical genius, and legacy of the Maratha icon. Designed as a visually stunning epic, the film chronicles the journey of a warrior who, against overwhelming odds, carved out a place for himself in history by challenging imperialist dominance.
Meanwhile, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is an upcoming historical epic, featuring Rishab Shetty as the legendary Maratha king. Directed by Sandeep Singh, the pan-India film intends to highlight Shivaji's bravery, and valor.
Arjun Rampal's work front
Meanwhile, speaking about Arjun's work front, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is his first commitment after Dhurandhar: The Revenge. He will soon be seen in Imtiaz Ali’s Netflix romance, O Saathi Re, opposite Aditi Rao Hydari and Avinash Tiwary.
His upcoming release slate also includes Abbas-Mustan’s 3 Monkeys and Penthouse, as well as Punjab 95, Blind Game, and Battle of Bhima Koregaon.