Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat (transl. The Brave Seven Marathas Ran In Madness) is an unreleased Indian Marathi-language period drama film directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and produced by Vaseem Qureshi under the banner of Qureshi Productions.[1] The film stars Pravin Tarde, Hardeek Joshi, Vishal Nikam, Jay Dudhane, Utkarsha Shinde and Virat Madke as the seven great Maratha warriors who playing important role to achieve the dream of Swaraj (transl. Self rule), while Hindi film actor Akshay Kumar in a extended cameo role who marks his Marathi film debut as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat | |
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![]() First look poster | |
Directed by | Mahesh Manjrekar |
Written by | Parag Kulkarni |
Produced by | Vaseem Qureshi Mahesh Manjrekar |
Starring |
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Cinematography | Karan B. Rawat |
Music by | Hitesh Modak |
Production companies |
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Distributed by | Zee Studios |
Country | India |
Language | Marathi |
Manjrekar developed the story over seven years ago. The official announcement for the film came in November 2022, followed by principal photography starting in December 2022, helmed by cinematographer Karan B. Rawat who previously collaborated in Panghrun with Manjrekar. The filming took place in Mumbai, Panhala, and Kolhapur. The music score will be provided by Hitesh Modak. Initially slated for a Diwali 2023 release, the film was delayed due to production issues. Half of production is completed in June 2024, but filming was ultimately postponed due to financial problems over the higher budget.
The film was initially supposed to be released on Diwali but it was changed to avoid clashing with Tiger 3.[2][3]
Premise
editVedat Maratha Veer Daudle Saat is based on a story about seven legendary warriors in the Maratha Empire who attempt to achieve independence (swaraj) in 1674.[4]
Cast
edit- Pravin Tarde as Prataprao Gujar
- Vishal Nikam as Chandraji Kothar
- Virat Madke as Jivaji Patil
- Hardeek Joshi as Malhari Lokhande
- Satya Manjrekar as Dattaji Page
- Utkarsha Shinde as Suryaji Dandkar
- Jay Dudhane as Tulja Jamkar[5]
- Gauri Ingawale[6]
- Nawab Khan[7]
- Akshay Kumar as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (extended cameo appearance)[8]
Production
editDevelopment
editManjrekar planned Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat for 7 years. Describing his project, Manjrekar mentioned "This film is my dream project based on the story of seven brave warriors whose sole mission is to realize Shivaji Maharaj's dream of Swaraj by writing one of the most glorious pages in history".[9] In November 2022, the makers revealed that Akshay Kumar will play the role of Shivaji in the film, following a month later, Kumar released a short video of himself as emperor, which quickly gained attention. Kumar is making his debut in Marathi cinema as a lead.[a][10] He spent 20 to 25 days preparing for his role with specialists in body language and diction.[8] During the launch event, the filmmakers revealed that the film will release on Diwali 2023.[11] It was graced by the Chief minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde, MNS president Raj Thackeray and Bollywood actor Salman Khan.[12][9] In September 2023, there were reports of the film being postponed to avoid clashing with Tiger 3.[11] It was also revealed that the delay in releasing was caused by the team needing extra time to shoot the war scenes.[13]
Casting and characterisation
edit"I've been entrusted with the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and it's all thanks to Raj Thackeray. When he approached me with the suggestion, I was truly surprised. Portraying Shivaji Maharaj is a monumental responsibility, one that I deeply respect. I'm committed to giving it my all and delivering my best performance."
– Akshay Kumar, speaking at the press conference following the launch event[14]
Mahesh Manjrekar revealed the importance of casting for the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, aiming for someone younger and resembling the historical figure. While acknowledging his own portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj on-screen, Manjrekar sought a fresh face. Akshay Kumar was chosen for the role due to his physical resemblance, particularly his nose, which matched the sketches of Shivaji Maharaj. Additionally, Kumar's enthusiasm to portray the historical figure, coupled with his proficiency in Marathi, further solidified his suitability for the role.[15] At the launch event, alongside Kumar, other pivotal roles were also introduced, including Pravin Tarde, Hardeek Joshi, Vishal Nikam, Utkarsha Shinde, Jai Dudhane, Virat Madke, and Satya Manjrekar.[16] The cast and their costumes were revealed by the makers in October 2022, but the commentators found their outfits unsatisfactory. Specially the trolls had given reactions that Satya Maharaj is not worthy of being a Mawla (soldiers of Shivaji).[17] Satya Manjrekar, son of Mahesh Manjrekar, was going to play the role of Dattaji Page, the seven warriors in the film. Satya Manjrekar told in an interview "I've been part of this film since 2018, eagerly awaiting this moment. Despite not preparing initially, I remained committed, even as I juggled shooting for another project. The pandemic [COVID-19] caused delays, but now we're back on track. I've dedicated myself to this role, focusing on workouts, training at Salman Khan's gym, and foregoing other distractions. Today, I'm ready to give it my all."[18] However, there are discussions indicating his departure from the film, with rumors suggesting that Aroh Velankar will take his place.[19]
Filming
editPrincipal photography of the film started in December 2022 in Mumbai.[1] A 19-year-old crew member Nagesh Prashant Khobare from Hipparga, Solapur district, tragically fell from the fortifications at Sajja Kothi area of Panhala fort while filming was ongoing. Despite efforts to rescue him, he sustained severe head and chest injuries and passed away on March 28, 2023, during treatment at a private hospital after battling for ten days.[20] The film has also been filmed in Kolhapur.[21] Originally Akshay Kumar planned to shoot for 7-8 days, but he has only been present for three days of shooting.[11][8] In June 2024, half of the film's shooting was finished before filming halted due to financial issues stemming from a higher budget, prompting producer Wasim Qureshi to cease production.[22]
Release
editTheatrical
editThe film originally slated for Diwali 2023, was rescheduled to avoid conflicting with Tiger 3.[3] Additionally, it will be released in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.[1]
Criticism
editA descendant of Prataprao Gujar, Suresh Gujar, along with villagers from Nesari and Bhosare in the Satara district, has strongly opposed the film, stating that they will not tolerate Manjrekar's distortion of history with fictitious names instead of real warrior names.[23][24] Former MP Sambhaji Raje held a press conference in Pune and expressed his opposition to the film.[25]
The film received heavy criticism from several people for its casting, mainly Akshay Kumar as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj due to Kumar's poor performance in historical film Samrat Prithviraj.[26]
Music
editThe music and background score is composed by Hitesh Modak.[27]
Notes
edit- ^ Kumar has previously made a guest appearance in the Marathi film Aadhar.
References
edit- ^ a b c "Akshay Kumar kickstarts the shooting of Mahesh Manjrekar's Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat in Mumbai". Firstpost (Press release). 6 December 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023.
- ^ "Akshay Kumar set to play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Mahesh Manjrekar's new Marathi film". The Telegraph (Press release). PTI. 3 November 2022. Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ a b "Akshay Kumar and Mahesh Manjrekar's Veer Daudale Saat no longer releasing during Diwali; averts clash with Salman Khan's Tiger 3". Bollywood Hungama. 29 September 2023. Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
- ^ "Akshay Kumar's Role As Chhatrapati Shivaji Is a Cameo In Marathi Movie Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat". News18 (Press release). 7 December 2022. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ "THESE character posters of Mahesh Manjrekar's 'Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat' will get you all excited for the film". The Times of India. 3 November 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
- ^ "महेश मांजरेकरांची तिसरी लेक लावते 'इंंगवले' आडनाव, गौरीबद्दल या गोष्टी माहीत नसतील". Maharashtra Times. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ "Salman Khan gets mobbed at Marathe Veer Daudale Saat film launch, Mahesh Manjrekar holds his hand". India Today. 3 November 2022. Archived from the original on 8 January 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat also stars Jay Dudhane, Utkarsha Shinde, Vishal Nikam, Virat Madke, Hardik Joshi, Satya, Nawab Khan, and Praveen Tarde.
- ^ a b c "Akshay Kumar to make a brief cameo in Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat as Shivaji Maharaj". Bollywood Hungama. 7 December 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Extensive research has gone into scripting Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat: Director Mahesh Manjrekar". Hindustan Times. 22 November 2022. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
- ^ "मराठी डेब्यू फिल्म में अक्षय कुमार बनेंगे छत्रपति शिवाजी, महेश मांजरेकर करेंगे निर्देशन". ABP News (Press release) (in Hindi). ABP Live. 3 November 2022. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ a b c "SCOOP: Shoot of Akshay Kumar's Marathi film Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat halted due to budget problems". Bollywood Hungama. 3 June 2024. Archived from the original on 4 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ "Salman Khan tries to give a surprise visit at the grand announcement event of Akshay Kumar's 'Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat', but THIS is what happened". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
- ^ "Budget issues halt Akshay Kumar's Marathi film Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat shoot: Report". The Times of India. 3 June 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Devnath, Aparupa (2 November 2022). "Akshay Kumar confirms playing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 'Veer Daudale Saat'". India TV News. Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ "Why Is Akshay Kumar Playing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj In VMVDS? Mahesh Manjrekar Reveals Reason". Times Now. 3 July 2023. Archived from the original on 3 July 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ "'वेडात मराठे वीर दौडले सात' चित्रपटाची तगडी स्टारकास्ट; हे कलाकार साकारणार प्रमुख भूमिका". ABP Majha (in Marathi). 3 November 2022. Archived from the original on 8 January 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
- ^ "'वेडात मराठे वीर दौडले सात' मधून महेश मांजरेकरांचा मुलगा सत्या बाहेर? व्हायरल होतोय व्हिडिओ". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ ""मी २०१८ पासूनच निश्चित होतो कारण..." महेश मांजरेकरांच्या लेकाने सांगितला पडद्यामागचा किस्सा". Loksatta (in Marathi). 5 November 2022. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ "'वेडात मराठे वीर...'मध्ये सिद्धार्थ जाधवची एंट्री? सोशल मीडियावरील 'त्या' फोटोवरुन चर्चांना उधाण". Lokmat (in Marathi). 22 March 2023. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ "पन्हाळ्याच्या तटबंदीवरुन शुटिंगवेळी दरीत पडलेल्या युवकाचा मृत्यू, उपचार खर्चावरुन वाद". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Archived from the original on 4 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ "जमिनीवर मांडी घालून मारला कोल्हापूर स्पेशल जेवणावर ताव; मराठी कलाकारांचा साधेपणा". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
- ^ "'वेडात मराठे वीर दौडले सात'चं शूटींग थांबलं! अक्षय कुमार साकारतोय छत्रपती शिवरायांची भूमिका". Lokmat (in Marathi). 4 June 2024. Archived from the original on 4 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ "तर खबरदार ...साताऱ्यातील भोसरे ग्रामस्थांचा दिग्दर्शक महेश मांजरेकर यांना इशारा". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Archived from the original on 8 January 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ "Mahesh Manjrekar: 'वेडात मराठे वीर..' चित्रपटातील मावळ्यांची नावंच बदलली, नेसरीकरांचा संताप". Sakal (in Marathi). Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ "'मावळे असे असतात का?' संभाजीराजेंचा 'वेडात मराठे वीर दौडले सात' सिनेमाला विरोध". BBC News (in Marathi). Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
- ^ "Akshay Kumar's 'Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat' Trolled After Fans Spot THIS Major Goof Up In First Look". English Jagran. 7 December 2022. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
- ^ "'वेडात मराठे...' सिनेमाची कथा नेमकी काय असणार? जाणून घ्या". News18 Lokmat (in Marathi). 3 November 2022. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.