Raja Shivaji trailer revives interest in Shivaji's Wagh Nakh. All about the weapon

A brief moment in the trailer of the upcoming Marathi film Raja Sivaji has set off a larger conversation online. In one scene, actor Riteish Deshmukh, portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is seen holding up the Wagh Nakh (tiger's claw) – an image that has brought the historic weapon into focus.

The sequence has drawn comparisons with Sher Shivraj, where Shivaji is shown concealing the weapon before his encounter with Afzal Khan. While films interpret history in their own way, the Wagh Nakh continues to hold a strong place in public memory.

WHAT IS WAGH NAKH?

Also known as Bagh Nakh (which literally translates to tiger’s claw), the weapon was designed for close combat. Worn across the fingers or hidden in the palm, it features curved blades attached to a crossbar, inspired by the claws of a big cat. Its compact design made it both discreet and effective at short range.

Its significance is closely tied to the 1659 meeting between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the General of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur Sultanate, at Pratapgad Fort.

Historical accounts say Khan attempted to attack Shivaji during what was meant to be a diplomatic meeting. Anticipating betrayal, Shivaji is believed to have used the concealed Wagh Nakh to defend himself, fatally injuring Khan. The episode marked a turning point in his campaign against the Adil Shahi forces.

Over time, the Wagh Nakh has come to represent more than just a weapon of combat. It is often cited as a symbol of Shivaji’s tactical foresight and resilience against more powerful adversaries. In Maharashtra’s cultural and historical imagination, it continues to stand for strategy, resistance and survival.

RAJA SHIVAJI AND THE JOURNEY ON SCREEN

Back to Raja Shivaji, the film uses the Wagh Nakh moment as a visual anchor in its narrative. Directed by Riteish Deshmukh, the project has faced delays over the years, including setbacks during the Covid 19 pandemic.

At the trailer launch in Mumbai on April 20, Genelia Deshmukh was seen getting emotional as Riteish spoke about the decade-long challenges of bringing Shivaji’s story to life.

Raja Shivaji brings together a large ensemble cast, including Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar and Bhagyashree, alongside Sachin Khedekar, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi and Amole Gupte. Genelia Deshmukh is also part of the film.

Salman Khan will be seen in a cameo, with Riteish Deshmukh hinting that his role, though brief, will be significant.

Watch the trailer here:

Raja Shivaji is scheduled to release on May 1, 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day. It aims to capture his battles against forces that threatened the Maratha empire, set against a detailed historical backdrop.