‘Raja Shivaji’ brings to life the extraordinary legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of India’s greatest warrior kings. The ambitious historical drama has been directed by Riteish Deshmukh, who not only helms the project but has also written, produced and essays the titular role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Ahead of the film’s release, Riteish Deshmukh and wife, Genelia Deshmukh visited the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple in Bhiwandi, Thane, to seek blessings. Speaking about the film, Riteish said, “Raja Shivaji is a humble tribute to the great warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje from the entire team working on this film.”
The makers have already built momentum with the release of the film’s anthem ‘Chhatrapati’ and the track ‘Jai Shivrai’. Renowned music composers Ajay–Atul shared their vision behind the music, stating, “We knew from the start this couldn’t just be a ‘big’ song, it had to carry emotion, truth, and a sense of reverence. There’s pride in every note, but also a responsibility to honour what it stands for. When you’re working with a legacy like this, you surrender to it. If it gives people goosebumps, that’s beautiful, but more than that, we hope it becomes something they feel deeply and remember.”
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has also praised the project, calling it a film made “passionately and with full nationalistic energies,” while describing the trailer as “so rocking.”
Mounted as a grand pan-India spectacle, ‘Raja Shivaji’ blends visual scale with an emotional narrative rooted in the birth of Swarajya. At its core lies a story of vision, courage and conviction, of a son who took a sacred vow and altered the course of history. Early glimpses suggest a powerful mix of intensity, emotion and heroism designed to resonate across generations.
The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Boman Irani, Amol Gupte and Genelia Deshmukh.
‘Raja Shivaji’ is set for a worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2026, in Marathi, Hindi and Telugu.
Stay tuned to this ETimes live blog for real-time updates on ‘Raja Shivaji’ from its theatrical release and box office performance to critic reviews, audience reactions and all the latest developments surrounding the film.
