Bhumi Satish Pednekar has joined the cast of Rishab Shetty-led historical drama The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. She will portray Belawadi Mallamma, a warrior queen associated with Karnataka and known for her courage in the 17th century, according to coverage of the role. The film, described as a two-part project, is directed by Sandeep Singh and centers on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with Shetty in the lead role. Both outlets report that Pednekar’s entry is her first foray into this genre, and that she became involved after hearing the director’s narration. The casting also includes Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi. The production is scheduled to begin filming later in the year, with release details not specified in the provided reports. Pednekar has characterized the role as one unlike anything she has done before.