Pre-production for the film begun in April 2023, while principal photography commenced in October 2023.[8] Director Laxman Utekar and his team dedicated a year to researching the 17th-century Maratha king's era. They traveled to historical towns such as Aurangabad, Ratnagiri, Pune, Nashik, and Paithan, immersing themselves in the cultural and visual aesthetics of the period. Their research included visits to forts, museums, and consultations with historians to capture the essence of the time.[9]
The costume design, led by Sheetal Sharma, was meticulously crafted to reflect the period's style. This included sourcing authentic Paithani sarees and restoring old sarees with 500-year-old borders for Rashmika Mandanna's character, Yesubai. The design team also recreated intricate jewellery and accessories, including the iconic sword Bhavani by production designers Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray, using references from museums in London. Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj was based on historical busts and statues, ensuring that every aspect of his look was historically accurate. The team's dedication to detail extended to the production design, including replicating a historical throne scene and accessories from various historical locations.[10]
The teaser of the film was showcased before the preview shows of Stree 2, and was later released on social media on 19 August 2024, coinciding Raksha Bandhan.[16][17] The following day, Vicky Kaushal revealed the first poster at Chitra Cinema, highlighting his portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj.[18]
Release
The film is scheduled to be theatrically released on 6 December 2024.[19]