The trailer of Raja Shivaji has aroused interest in Shivaji’s Wagh nails. all about weapons
The trailer of Raja Shivaji brings Wagh Nakh into focus once again. Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj wields the iconic weapon, which has long been seen as a symbol of strategy and power.
A brief moment in the trailer of an upcoming Marathi movie Raja Shivaji has started a huge conversation online. In one scene, actor Riteish Deshmukh, playing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is seen holding the Wagh Nakh (tiger’s claw) – an image that has brought the historical weapon to mind.
The sequence has been compared to lion shivrajWhere Shivaji is shown hiding his weapons before the encounter with Afzal Khan. While films interpret history in their own way, Wagh Nakh holds a strong place in the public memory.
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What is Wagh Nakh?
Also known as Bagh Nakh (literally meaning tiger’s claw), this weapon was designed for close combat. Worn on the fingers or hidden in the palm, it consists of curved blades attached to a crossbar, inspired by the claws of a large cat. Its compact design made it both discreet and effective at short ranges.
Its significance is linked to the meeting held at Pratapgarh Fort in 1659 between Shivaji and General Afzal Khan of the Adil Shahi dynasty of the Bijapur Sultanate.
Historical accounts state that Khan attempted to attack Shivaji during a diplomatic meeting. It is believed that fearing betrayal, Shivaji used the hidden Wagh Nakh to defend himself, fatally wounding Khan. This episode proved to be a turning point in his campaign against the Adil Shahi forces.
Over time, the Wagh Nakh has come to represent much more than a weapon of war. It is often cited as a symbol of Shivaji’s strategic foresight and resilience against more powerful opponents. In the cultural and historical imagination of Maharashtra, it stands for strategy, resistance and survival.
Raja Shivaji and travel across the screen
go back Raja ShivajiThe film uses the Wagh Nakh moment as a visual anchor in its narrative. Directed by Riteish Deshmukh, the project has faced delays over the past few 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 talked about the decade-long challenges of bringing Shivaji’s story to life.
Raja Shivaji It brings together a big cast like Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar and Bhagyashree along with Sachin Khedekar, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi and Amol Gupte. Genelia Deshmukh is also a part of the film.
Salman Khan will be seen in a cameo, with Riteish Deshmukh hinting that his role will be important albeit brief.
Watch the trailer here:
Raja Shivaji It is scheduled to release on May 1, 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day. It aims to portray his fight against the forces threatening the Maratha Empire in a broad historical backdrop.