Sharad Kelkar as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. (courtesy: Ankitaker)
After Akshay Kumar shared the first look of his new project Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat, in which he stars as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a section of the Internet was visibly upset and suggested that TV actor Sharad Kelkar could have been a better pick for the role. Sharad Kelkar started trending on Twitter big time. The many tweets suggesting Sharad's name could be attributed to his impressive performance in the 2020 period drama Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, in which he played the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Meanwhile, the period drama Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat marks Akshay Kumar's Marathi film debut.
Here's Akshay Kumar's first look as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the film Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat.
"Sharad Kelkar looked best in the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji," read a tweet from a fan.
"The only modern day actor who can give justice to this role other than Dr Amol Kolhe is Sharad Kelkar," another tweet read.
"Sharad Kelkar was always my go to actor to play the iconic role of raje...His voice, his personality as warrior is just another level," wrote another fan.
Inputs from another Twitter user: "Sorry Sir but Sharad Kelkar as Shivaji Maharaj>>>>>."
"The way Sharad Kelkar portrayed Chhatrapati Shivaji in Tanhaji, its now difficult to see anyone else in that role," read another tweet.
Here's what another fan tweeted.
Meanwhile, Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat will be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and it will be produced by Vaseem Qureshi. It is all set to release in cinemas on Diwali 2023 in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.