The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is stepping into the spotlight with ‘Shatak,’ a forthcoming film chronicling its century-long odyssey. As the organization hits its 100-year milestone, this cinematic endeavor aims to illuminate its foundational principles and lasting societal imprint.
From humble beginnings in Nagpur’s humid September of 1925, RSS founder Hedgewar envisioned character-building through daily shakhas. ‘Shatak’ masterfully weaves this vision’s unfolding, navigating triumphs and trials including bans, communal riots, and political upheavals.
Helmed by a team passionate about historical fidelity, the production integrates scholarly research with dramatic flair. Lead actor Arjun Kapoor, portraying Hedgewar, underwent rigorous training in RSS routines. Co-stars depict successive leaders, bringing personal struggles to life amid epochal events.
The film’s narrative arc spans freedom struggle contributions, post-independence expansions, and modern outreach via Seva Bharati projects. Stunning cinematography by Oscar-winner Sayombhu Mukdeeprom promises visual poetry matching the saga’s depth.
Timing couldn’t be more apt, aligning with RSS’s ‘Shatabdi Varg’ training camps. Makers plan interactive premieres at shakha grounds, fostering community engagement. Budgeted at ₹150 crore, ‘Shatak’ targets 2026 release, positioning it as a landmark in patriotic filmmaking.
Beyond entertainment, the movie underscores RSS’s role in fostering unity and self-reliance. As debates on nationalism intensify, ‘Shatak’ offers a reflective lens on one institution’s unwavering commitment to Bharat’s cultural renaissance.