historical drama Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has stirred interest among audiences for its compelling portrayal of Maratha king Sambhaji Maharaj’s life, his courageous battles, and his fight to preserve Indian culture against foreign invaders. Directed by Tushar Shelar, movie reflects king’s unyielding resolve and patriotism. Released on November 22, 2024, film caters to Marathi and Hindi-speaking audiences across India and abroad.
Overview of Film
- Title: Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
- Director: Tushar Shelar
- Lead Cast:
- Thakur Anoop Singh as Sambhaji Maharaj
- Amruta Khanvilkar as Yesubai
- Pradeep Rawat in a pivotal role
- Genre: Historical Action Drama
- Languages: Marathi, Hindi
- Duration: 2 hours and 54 minutes
- Production Company: Urvita Productions
- Release Date: November 22, 2024
- Screen Count:
- India: 800 screens
- Overseas: 100 screens
film vividly portrays significant events in Sambhaji Maharaj’s life, including battles such as Siege of Burhanpur and Battle of Janjira. It highlights his sacrifices, commitment to his people, and dedication to safeguarding Maratha empire and Indian traditions.
Budget Details
movie was produced on a modest budget, focusing on high-quality storytelling and detailed set design rather than extravagant effects.
- Total Budget: ₹1.50 crore
- Production Costs: ₹1 crore
- Marketing & Distribution: ₹0.50 crore
Despite its limited budget compared to other historical dramas, film has managed to maintain authenticity in its settings, costumes, and action sequences.
Box Office Collection: Day 7 Worldwide
box office performance of Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has been a mix of steady earnings and challenges due to stiff competition. Below is day-wise box office collection:
| Day | India Net Collection (₹ Crores) | Change (%) |
| Day 1 | 0.33 | – |
| Day 2 | 0.53 | +60.61 |
| Day 3 | 0.93 | +75.47 |
| Day 4 | 0.26 | -72.04 |
| Day 5 | 0.24 | -7.69 |
| Day 6 | 0.22 | -8.33 |
| Day 7 | 0.20 | -9.09 |
| Total (7 Days) | 2.71 (India Net) | – |
- Worldwide Gross Collection: ₹3.15 crore
- India Gross: ₹2.91 crore
- Overseas Gross: ₹0.24 crore
Strengths of Film
- Authenticity: film’s dedication to historical accuracy and Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy appeals to history enthusiasts.
- Performances: Thakur Anoop Singh’s powerful portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj and Amruta Khanvilkar’s nuanced performance as Yesubai have been widely appreciated.
- Themes: movie’s focus on patriotism, sacrifice, and resilience resonates strongly with audiences.
Challenges at Box Office
- Tough Competition: film faced competition from several big-budget regional and Bollywood releases.
- Limited Marketing: A smaller promotional campaign limited its reach to potential viewers outside Maharashtra.
- Target Audience: While film appealed strongly to Marathi-speaking audiences, it struggled to attract a wider demographic.
Audience and Critical Reception
- Critical Acclaim: Critics praised film for its engaging narrative, detailed set design, and impactful performances.
- Audience Feedback: Word-of-mouth reviews have been positive, particularly among history enthusiasts and fans of period dramas.
However, some criticism centered around pacing, with certain segments feeling drawn out, and lack of a broader appeal beyond its target audience.
Comparison with Similar Films
| Film Title | Budget (₹ Crores) | India Net Collection (₹ Crores) | Worldwide Gross (₹ Crores) |
| Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj | 1.50 | 2.71 | 3.15 |
| Tanhaji: Unsung Warrior | 125 | 280 | 368 |
| Pawankhind | 8 | 50 | 60 |
This comparison highlights disparity in box office performance due to differences in production scale, marketing reach, and competition.
Box Office Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Based on its budget and collections, Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj can be classified as average. While it recovered its costs, its earnings fall short of making it a commercial hit.
Key Highlights
- Strong Storyline: A compelling narrative rooted in historical accuracy.
- Powerful Performances: Thakur Anoop Singh and Amruta Khanvilkar shine in their roles.
- Cultural Impact: film serves as a tribute to Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy.
Future Prospects
While film’s theatrical run has been moderate, its potential success on digital platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime could extend its audience reach and impact.
Conclusion
Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is a heartfelt cinematic tribute to one of India’s most revered historical figures. Despite challenges in its theatrical performance, film’s commitment to storytelling and historical accuracy makes it a significant contribution to Indian cinema. For history enthusiasts and patriots alike, this film offers an inspiring and engaging experience.
Rating: 3.5/5
