The idea of making a magnum opus on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had been haunting filmmaker Ravi Jadhav since 2015. Almost seven years on, he is ready to bring his idea to fruition. The National Award-winning director will helm Bal Shivaji that will trace the braveheart’s early years — specifically from 12 to 16 years of age — that laid the foundation of Swaraj.

“It took eight years of research to achieve what we were aiming to narrate on celluloid,” says Jadhav. While the country is familiar with the Maratha leader’s remarkable journey, he will focus on the untold stories of his childhood that were a sign of things to come. The director met producer Sandeep Singh last year for the narration. Jadhav adds, “It was an instant click with Sandeep, who understood the significance of telling this story. It’s an ode to one of the greatest kings that ever ruled in India.”

Singh, who is joining forces with producer Anand Pandit and Eros International, says, “It’s an honour to make a film based on the icon.”

Echoing his sentiment, Pandit adds, “As a filmmaker and an admirer of his heroism,  I wanted to dive deep in the lesser-known aspects of his life.” The makers, currently zeroing in on the cast, intend to take the film on floors in June.