A messenger informs Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb of the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Although Aurangzeb acknowledges the loss of a formidable enemy, he announces a celebration. His courtiers are confident that the Maratha Confederacy will soon collapse. However, Shivaji’s son and successor, Sambhaji, quickly takes charge of continuing the resistance. He launches a sudden attack on Burhanpur, a key Mughal province. The city’s defenders are caught off guard by the Maratha army and are defeated in the assault. During the battle, Sambhaji steps on a trapdoor and falls into a chamber housing a lion. He bravely faces the animal and splits its jaw apart with his bare hands. Aurangzeb learns of the attack and realises that the Maratha resistance endures. He commences a huge military crusade to protect his authority.