Raja Shivaji (2022) Directed by Ravi Jadhav Raja Shivaji stars Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and narrates the early part of his life from his birth to a crucial moment in Maratha history – the Battle of Pratapgad.
Set in 1630,the film starts with the birth of Shivaji to Shahaji Bhosale and Jijabai. Shahaji, who has been in military and political alliances for years, now serves the Bijapur Sultanate under Mohammed Adil Shah.
In a dramatic turn of events, Afzal Khan, with the support of Khadija Sultana, tricks Shivaji’s elder brother, Sambhaji Raje, into collaborating with the Bijapur court. Later Afzal kills Sambhaji. Shivaji gets devastated and decides to take revenge. Jijabai demands justice and orders her son to bring Afzal Khan’s head back.
Why Does Khadija Sultana Target Shivaji?
After Shivaji captured Jawali and extended Maratha power into the Sahyadris, the Bijapur court began to regard him as a serious danger.
Ali Adil Shah II, son of Mohammed Adil Shah, was crowned after the death of his father, with his mother, Khadija Sultana, also known as Badi Sahiba, as regent.
As Shivaji grows in power, Khadija becomes fearful and orders Afzal Khan to kill Shivaji before he becomes a threat that cannot be stopped.
Meanwhile, Shivaji and Saibai are welcoming their son, Sambhaji Bhosale, named after Shivaji’s dead brother.
What Happens Before Afzal Khan Departs For Jawali?
Afzal Khan visits a Sufi saint called Peer Baba to get a good prediction before he kicks off his campaign.
The problem is not the ambiguity of the saint. His confidence further shaken by the sudden death of his trusted elephant.
Back at camp, Afzal’s wives begin to ask questions about his fate. Afzal is furious at what he sees as disloyalty and weakness and in one of the film’s darkest sequence he kills all 63 of them.
Saibai tells Shivaji what at Rajgad?
When Afzal’s army approaches, Shivaji’s loyal commander Tanaji Malusare advises him to escape Rajgad and plan.
Meanwhile, Saibai privately tells Shivaji that she is unwell. She chooses to stay, bids him farewell and prays for his victory, knowing they may never meet again.
Meanwhile, Afzal advances, taking territories between Bijapur and Pune and spreading terror throughout the region.
What Shivaji does in Pratapgad?
At Pratapgad Fort, Shivaji does not come to face-to-face battle but rather uses psychological warfare.
He orders his men to leave the nearby forts, and Afzal Khan thinks the Marathas are running away in fear. The monsoon rains are heavy, and Afzal’s army is forced to camp in Mawal, slowing their progress and lowering morale.
Shivaji pretends to be seriously ill when Afzal sends his advisor Krishnaji Bhaskar to deliver a message. Afzal is taken in by the lie that Shivaji is feeble, scared and unable to fight.
Instead of answering directly, Shivaji sends his envoy Pantji to continue the negotiations.
How did Shivaji entrap Afzal Khan in Pratapgad?
Months of rain, hard living and the constant pressure from Khadija Sultana wear down Afzal Khan’s patience.
The court of Bijapur laughed at him for his want of progress, and Afzal at last consented to meet Shivaji at Pratapgad.
Both sides agree to meet secretly inside a shamiana, with no guards or weapons in sight.
Little does Afzal know that Shivaji has already planned out everything.
How Shivaji kills Afzal Khan?
Afzal Khan appears calm during the meeting, asks Shivaji for an embrace as a sign of peace.
Instead he suddenly tries to crush Shivaji and stab him with a hidden weapon.
But Shivaji has seen betrayal coming.
His robes hide protective chainmail armor that absorbs the attack.
Then Shivaji strikes back with his legendary tiger claws, the wagh nakh, and a hidden blade to fatally wound Afzal Khan.
This moment becomes the defining scene of the film, proving that Shivaji’s biggest weapon is not strength, but preparation.
How does Raja Shivaji conclude?
Outside, as Afzal Khan’s screams are heard, the bodyguard Bada Sayyad runs into the tent to attack Shivaji.
Jiva Mahale, the trusted protector of Shivaji, saves his king by foiling the attack.
Outside the Maratha forces attack and the Adil Shahi army is overwhelmed.
Having won the battle, Shivaji sends the severed head of Afzal Khan to Jijabai, finally avenging the death of his brother.
Bijapur. Khadija Sultana is powerless as the news of Shivaji’s victory spreads.
Our Take on the Conclusion
Raja Shivaji builds its climax on one of the most celebrated encounters in Indian history, focusing on strategy, patience and calculated revenge instead of large scale warfare.
The film presents Shivaji not only as a warrior but as a leader who knows that brain can beat brawn. This was not just a personal revenge for killing Afzal Khan but a signal to the rise of a ruler who would go on to challenge empires.
There are a few cinematic liberties taken in places, but the ending does a good job of capturing the legendary confrontation that helped define Shivaji’s legacy.
