In a historic move to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maharashtra government has announced a grand biopic on her life. The film will be produced in Marathi and other regional languages, with plans for release on Doordarshan and leading OTT platforms.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement on Tuesday at Chondi in Jamkhed tehsil, Ahilyabai’s birthplace, located in Ahilyanagar district. The project will be executed through the Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation, while Film City in Goregaon will handle production.
“Since it will be a commercial film, the required expenses will be made available through the budgetary demands,” Fadnavis said.
Ahilyabai Holkar, born on May 31, 1725, is remembered as one of the most respected rulers of the Maratha-Malwa region. After the deaths of her husband Khande Rao Holkar and father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar, she took over the reins of the kingdom. Known for her good governance and devotion to social welfare, she made significant contributions to religion and architecture.
Known as “Punyashlok Ahilyabai,” she led armies with the support of military commander Tukoji Rao Holkar and defended Malwa from external threats. She also restored many temples and dharamshalas across India, including those destroyed during the Mughal period.
Her life inspired earlier portrayals, including the Hindi TV serial “Punyashlok Ahilyabai,” which premiered on January 4, 2021, on Sony Entertainment Television. Directed by Jackson Sethi and produced by Dashami Creations, the show ended on October 27, 2023.
The cast and crew for the upcoming film are yet to be finalized. The film is expected to be completed and released in 2025 during the tercentenary year.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com