Shiv Thakare, the winner of Bigg Boss Marathi 2, is all set to step into the world of cinema. The television star will make his big-screen acting debut with Prradip Khairwar's upcoming Marathi film, Raktneeti.
According to Bollywood Hungama, the film will present Thakare in a completely new cinematic avatar — one that is far removed from the reality show personality fans have come to know.
Shiv Thakare's Role in Raktneeti: From College Student to Politician
In Raktneeti, Thakare will play a college student who gets pulled into the world of crime and, later, politics. The story follows his life after a devastating turn of events upends everything he knows.
Bollywood Hungama reports that the character undergoes a dark and intense transformation as he navigates the nexus of power, betrayal, revenge, and political ambition. The arc of his character is said to have shades similar to Vivek Oberoi's character in the film Company.
Who is Shiv Thakare?
Thakare has built a strong reputation as a popular face on Indian television. He first gained widespread attention by winning Bigg Boss Marathi 2. Since then, he has appeared in several high-profile reality shows, including:
- Bigg Boss 16
- Khatron Ke Khiladi 13
- Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11
This new project marks a significant shift for Thakare — moving from reality television to scripted feature films. For his fans, it is a chance to see him take on a serious, layered role rather than the competitive reality show format they are used to.
What Raktneeti Means for Marathi Cinema
The film's title, Raktneeti, which translates to "blood politics," signals a gritty political drama. Casting a reality TV star in a dark, intense role is a bold choice — and one that could bring new audiences to Marathi cinema.
Thakare's fan following from multiple reality shows gives the film built-in visibility. At the same time, the subject matter suggests the makers are aiming for something more serious than a typical star vehicle.
Our Take: A Smart Career Move for Shiv Thakare
In our view, this is a smart move for Thakare. Reality TV fame can fade quickly, and actors who want lasting careers need to show range. Taking on a gangster-turned-politician role — a character with shades of a classic anti-hero — is a serious step in that direction.
The comparison to Vivek Oberoi's character in Company sets a high bar. That film is remembered for its raw portrayal of ambition and crime. If Raktneeti can capture even a fraction of that intensity, Thakare could surprise a lot of people who only know him from reality shows.
For now, fans will have to wait for more details on the film's release date and casting. But one thing is clear — Shiv Thakare is not playing it safe with his first film.
(This article is based on an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama. Further details about the film are awaited.)