Raja Shivaji (film)

Cameo appearances

• Salman Khan as Jiva Mahale
• Siddharth Jadhav, Remo D'Souza, Arya Gogavale, and politician Dhiraj Deshmukh appeared in the anthem song "Chhatrapati"^[13][14][15]

Development

Reports of a film based on Shivaji Maharaj, to be produced by Riteish Deshmukh, first emerged in 2015. On 20 August 2015, Genelia Deshmukh confirmed the project via Twitter, stating that the film was not merely a cinematic venture but a responsibility.^[16][17] Later that year, in December 2015, Riteish Deshmukh officially announced that Mumbai Film Company’s Chhatrapati Shivaji would be directed by Ravi Jadhav.^[18][19] According to Jadhav, the project originated from an idea he conceived between 2014–2015, envisioning Deshmukh as Shivaji Maharaj.^[20][21] The two subsequently began developing the film, with Deshmukh backing the project as both actor and producer under Mumbai Film Company.^[22] Over the next few years, multiple writers—including Tejas Palve, Vishwas Patil, and Kshitij Patwardhan—worked on successive drafts of the screenplay, and a look test and preliminary poster design were also completed during this phase.^[23] However, the project did not move forward as initially planned. Jadhav later stated that personal circumstances and delays led to his withdrawal from the film, clarifying that there was no disagreement between him and Deshmukh.^[24]

In September 2016, reports suggested that Salman Khan had agreed to be part of the Marathi biopic, starring Riteish Deshmukh in the titular role.^[25][26] In May 2017, Deshmukh stated that the screenplay had been completed and that the film could become one of the most expensive projects in Marathi cinema, with a budget reportedly exceeding ₹200 crore.^[27] By November 2017, Deshmukh confirmed his active involvement in the scripting process and stated that he had been extensively reading historical texts such as Vedh Mahamanawacha, Shree Raja Shivchatrapati, and Shivcharitra.^[28] He also indicated that the film might be produced as a Hindi–Marathi bilingual and would move into pre-production after revisions to the first draft of the screenplay, with filming planned for the following year.^[29] He described the Shivaji biopic as "labour of love and a lifelong dream"^[30] and one of his most ambitious productions, following earlier projects such as Balak-Palak (2013), Yellow (2014), Lai Bhaari (2014), and Faster Fene (2017), noting that working within the constraints of regional cinema encouraged a strong focus on content.^[31][29]

On 19 February 2020, coinciding with the 390th Shiv Jayanti, a trilogy based on the life of Shivaji Maharaj was announced, with Nagraj Manjule set to direct.^[32][33] Riteish stated that he had wanted to work with Manjule, having been impressed by the filmmaker’s debut film Fandry, and noted that Manjule himself was keen on making a film on Shivaji Maharaj.^[34][35] The first film in the trilogy was planned as a pan-Indian release in 2021, with music composed by Ajay-Atul.^[36][37] The background score was composed by John Stewart Eduri. The makers planned the trilogy as three films tracing different phases of Shivaji's life: Shivaji, centred on his early years; Raja Shivaji, focusing on the establishment of the Maratha Empire; and Chhatrapati Shivaji, covering the period of his wider political and military influence across India.^[38] In March 2022, Manjule stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted the project's schedule, delaying production by nearly two years, though he clarified that the film had not been shelved.^[39][40] Subsequently, Manjule exited the project following Jio Studios’ announcement of its production slate, which included Khashaba, to be directed by Manjule himself.^[41][42][43]

On 19 February 2024, Riteish Deshmukh officially confirmed that he would direct the film himself and unveiled the first poster, announcing the title as Raja Shivaji.^[44] Santosh Sivan was signed on as the film's cinematographer, marking his debut in Marathi cinema.^[45][46] The production design was handled by Nikhil Kovale, Apurva Bhagat, and Shashank Tere. The action sequences were choreographed by Dawid Szatarski and Manohar Verma, while the costume design was handled by Rushi Sharma, Manoshi Nath, and Pournima Oak.^[47]

Casting

(Left to right): Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar

(Left to right): Genelia Deshmukh, Bhagyashree, and Vidya Balan

Riteish Deshmukh was confirmed to portray Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the titular role.^[48] In February 2025, ETimes reported that Abhishek Bachchan, Fardeen Khan, and Sanjay Dutt had joined the cast.^[49][50] In April 2025, Bhagyashree was reported to have been cast as Shivaji Maharaj's mother,^[51] a development that was later officially confirmed by the makers through a poster unveiling the principal cast. The same announcement confirmed Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh in key roles.^[52][53][8] Although early media reports speculated that Dutt would portray the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, it was later confirmed that he would play the general Afzal Khan.^[54][55] Riteish Deshmukh's son, Rahyl Deshmukh, made his acting debut in the film, playing the younger version of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.^[56]

In June 2025, Vidya Balan joined the cast in an undisclosed role.^[57][58] She confirmed in a July 2025 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she had completed her shooting portions.^[59][60] The role was initially offered to Tabu, who declined due to scheduling conflicts with Bhoot Bangla.^[61] Boman Irani was cast as Peer Baba after being personally approached by Riteish Deshmukh.^[62] Supreme Court lawyer Siddharth Shinde played a brief role in the film; Deshmukh revealed this following Shinde's death in September 2025 by sharing set photographs on social media.^[63][64] Marathi television actor Kapil Honrao was cast by Rohan Mapuskar,^[65] later confirming his participation through an Instagram story.^[66][67]

In November 2025, Salman Khan filmed a cameo appearance as Jeeva Mahala, a loyal warrior of Shivaji.^[68] Khan had previously appeared in Marathi films such as Lai Bhaari (2014) and Ved (2022).^[69] Jeeva Mahala is historically known for protecting Shivaji Maharaj during the attack by Sayyad Banda, a lieutenant of Afzal Khan.^[70] Khan's cameo includes intense close-up action scenes designed by Parvez Shaikh.^[71] He completed filming his portions between 8 and 12 November 2025.^{[72][70][73][74]} Suresh Vishwakarma confirmed his casting in April 2026.^[75][76]

Filming

Principal photography began in February 2024, with the first schedule covering Shivaji Maharaj's early years, for which a Shivneri Fort set was constructed at Film City in Mumbai.^[51] In February 2025, behind-the-scenes photos of Deshmukh on the set went viral on social media.^[77] The second schedule commenced in early April 2025 and covered several key phases of Shivaji Maharaj's life. Scenes filmed during this leg included his meeting with his wife, Rani Saibai, his coronation ceremony at Raigad Fort, and a major battle sequence. The schedule continued until mid-April.^[51] During production in April 2025, Saurabh Sharma, a 26-year-old dancer on the film's choreography team, drowned in the Krishna River at Sangam Mahuli in Satara district after completing the shoot for a song sequence; his body was recovered two days later.^[78][79]

The Mumbai schedule began in October 2025, at Film City, Goregaon, where a massive set representing parts of a fort was built for the shoot.^[51][80] These sets remained in place for over six months. Several key forts were scanned, closely studied, and recreated with meticulous attention to detail.^[81] By late October, filming had taken place across the Sahyadri mountain ranges.^[82][83] Filming moved into its final phase in November 2025.^[84] Khan completed filming his cameo portions during this period at a suburban studio in Mumbai.^[71] Dutt's portions, in which he portrays the film's primary antagonist, were postponed and subsequently filmed in December 2025, marking the completion of his schedule.^[85][86] Filming concluded on 16 December 2025. The film was shot over a period of approximately 100 days across locations including Mahabaleshwar, Wai, Satara, and Mumbai.^[87]

Post-production

Post-production of the film began simultaneously with the wrapping-up of filming in December 2025.^[87] The film's visual effects (VFX) were handled by Assemblage Entertainment,^[88] while Urvashi Saxena served as the editor.^[47][89] The Marathi version received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on 24 April 2026, with a final runtime of 195.05 minutes, while the Hindi version was certified on 28 April 2026 with a runtime of 187.05 minutes.^[1][2]

Critical reception

Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in wrote "The 195-minute movie is epic in length but not in scope. There's little freshness or imagination in the slow-mo action scenes or in Santosh Sivan’s cinematography. Ajay-Atul's soundtrack has one catchy tune, the title song."^[99] Amit Bhatia of ABP Majha rated 3.5 stars out of 5 stars and stated that the film adds pride to Maharashtra's legacy, with Riteish Deshmukh impressing through his detailed research, supported by impactful music from Ajay-Atul, making it an engaging and emotional cinematic experience despite minor flaws in VFX.^[100] A reviewer from Loksatta observed that Riteish Deshmukh presents Raja Shivaji in eight well-structured chapters covering key historical events and relationships effectively, but notes that some battle scenes feel artificial, with weak VFX, color grading, and editing, although the strong background music helps cover these flaws.^[101] Gayatri Nirmal of Pinkvilla awarded 4 stars out of 5 stars, praised Raja Shivaji for approaching Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's story with visible respect and restraint, noting that the storytelling feels rooted and sincere, while also pointing out that some VFX portions feel average and occasionally pull viewers out of the experience.^[102] Shreyas Pande of The Hindu wrote that Deshmukh "remains largely content with glorifying the king rather than inquiring into the nature of his glory" and observed that the efforts of making a conventional biopic convert the historical icon into a one-dimensional hero, fighting a generic good vs evil battle as the aesthetics genuflect in his honour.^[103] Tanmayi Savadi of Times Now rated Raja Shivaji 3/5 stars and wrote that the film lacks extra cinematic punch, calling it a faithful and respectable tribute that follows the rulebook, but noting that it becomes one-toned after a point, with its impact weakening under the weight of the subject, as it stays on a surface level instead of exploring lesser-known anecdotes, even though the visual research is strong.^[104]

Rishabh Suri of Hindustan Times opined that "Raja Shivaji is a film that commands respect more than it commands engagement. The intent is noble, the scale undeniable. But for all its visual grandeur, it doesn't translate into a consistent, gripping cinematic experience. It soars in parts, especially towards the end. But as a whole, it remains a spectacle that you admire more than you feel."^[105] Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express gave 2.5 stars out of 5 stars, praised Riteish Deshmukh and Sanjay Dutt's performances, and noted that it has an "ultra-colourful Amar Chitra Katha aesthetic" and follows a "black-and-white universe" of good versus evil, with "not very cleverly hidden" CGI adding to its comic-book feel.^[106] Shreyanka Mazumdar of News18 rated Raja Shivaji 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote that the film is a "sincere and ambitious" historical drama driven by Riteish Deshmukh’s controlled performance and steady direction, with strong key sequences, effective music, and solid technical aspects, though its lengthy runtime and pacing issues slightly affect the overall impact.^[107] Rachit Gupta, reviewing for Filmfare, gave Raja Shivaji 3 out of 5 stars and wrote that "this story demands a roar," but the film ultimately delivers "a dignified murmur."^[108] Lachmi Deb Roy of Firstpost gave 2 stars out of 5 stars and wrote "Raja Shivaji offers a fresh perspective on the making of a legendary leader, his unmatched strategic acumen and valour, but the execution is questionable."^[109] Mihir Bhanage of The Times of India rated 3.5 stars out of 5 stars and stated that the film has its share of misses, with the VFX appearing decent but looking childish in some scenes, slow-motion shots becoming tiring especially during gory combat sequences, and the narrative sometimes feeling rushed due to the attempt to fit too much into a three-hour runtime.^[110] A reviewer from Deccan Chronicle gave 3/5 rating and wrote that "Soap-style flaws, abrupt action, and logical gaps persist. But the heroism, the climax, and the sheer cultural weight of Shivaji Maharaj make you clap, roar, and cheer anyway."^[111]

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave 2.5 stars out of 5 stars and wrote that "Raja Shivaji, for all its sweep and scale, does the unthinkable - go in for measured strokes rather than adopt massy methods in its emotive moments. It does not always work but the attempt itself is noteworthy."^[112] Bhavna Agarval of India Today awarded 3 stars out of 5 stars and said that "The film leans heavily into moments of valour and proclamation, building its hero in broad, reverential strokes" and noting that while it works in parts, especially when it taps into the emotional and ideological core of the story, it begins to feel stretched when it prioritises scale over storytelling, especially the first half, with the second half emerging as more thrilling.^[113] Mayur Sanap of Rediff gave 3 stars out of 5 stars, noted that Deshmukh presents it with a subtle, more controlled sense of grandeur avoids unnecessary larger-than-life treatment, unlike Chhaava, but criticised uneven moments are further weakened by obvious CGI and some hectic editing, which do little to create any sense of awe.^[114] Sakshi Salil Chavan of Outlook gave 2.5/5 stars, wrote that "violence dominates large stretches of the runtime," with "unconvincing CGI and uneven visual effects" disrupting immersion, and added that despite its grandeur and moments of quiet humanity, the film lacks cohesion and feels overwhelming due to its overextended runtime.^[115] Pragati Awasthi of WION described Raja Shivaji as "a period drama that should connect emotionally through both story and presentation," and argued that the heavy use of CGI and music may make the movie feel good and gripping, but it's also where it loses its soul.^[116] A reviewer from Bollywood Hungama rated 4 stars out of 5 stars and wrote that "RAJA SHIVAJI pays a fine ode to one of India's greatest kings and works due to its execution, abundance of drama, emotion, mass-appealing moments and a climax that is sure to lead to a frenzy in cinemas."^[47]

Kalpeshraj Kubal of Maharashtra Times gave 3/5 stars and wrote that while the film carries scale and ambition, the screenplay feels loose in several places and often resembles a television drama, with excessive slow-motion and uneven VFX weakening the impact; despite moments of grandeur and strong music, it ultimately remains an attractive but emotionally underwhelming retelling of history.^[117] Santosh Bhingarde of Sakal rated 3.5/5 and wrote that although the film feels slightly lengthy, the editing is handled effectively, and Santosh Sivan’s cinematography captures its grandeur beautifully; however, some unnecessary scenes slow the narrative, and while cinematic liberties are taken in the Afzal Khan episode, it is still presented in a grand and dramatic manner.^[118] Swati Vemul of TV9 Marathi observed that Raja Shivaji feels somewhat lengthy, particularly in the second half where tighter editing could have improved the pacing; however, it felt that the film's overall presentation outweigh this shortcoming, making it not only inspiring but also a chance to reconnect with a glorious past.^[119] Anupama Gunde of Pudhari rated 3/5 stars, wrote that Raja Shivaji attempts to explore Shivaji Maharaj's personal and emotional world while highlighting the contributions of Sambhaji and Shahaji, but falls short in delivering emotional depth, with relationships and key moments lacking impact despite the film's grand historical canvas.^[120] B.H. Harsh of Cinema Express noted that Raja Shivaji "carries a heightened emotional charge, no doubt, rousing almost to the point of being provocative," and that "there is a grandiosity to the storytelling here that feels sincere," while pointing out that the production scale is uneven and the editing occasionally choppy, and praising Santosh Sivan's work as "top-notch" for capturing the Maratha landscape with vigour and scale.^[121]

Box office

On its opening day, Raja Shivaji, which was released across approximately 6,000 shows, collected ₹11.35 crore net in India, with the Marathi version contributing ₹8 crore and the Hindi version ₹3.35 crore, while the total gross collection reached ₹13.51 crore.^[122][123] Box Office India reported an opening day Marathi net collection of around ₹7.50 crore and a Hindi net collection of around ₹3.75 crore.^[124][5] Prior to release, the film recorded advance bookings of ₹5.14 crore gross, including approximately ₹4.25 crore from the original Marathi version.^[125] It surpassed the opening-day record of Sairat, which had collected an estimated ₹4.23 crore.^[122] By its first weekend, the film collected ₹43.66 crore and crossed the ₹50 crore mark worldwide in just five days.^[126][127] By the end of its opening week, Raja Shivaji had collected ₹57.70–60 crore net after crossing ₹53.30 crore on its sixth day,^{[128][129][130]} while its India gross reached ₹62.42 crore in the first week.^[131]

The film's net collection reached ₹75.10 crore in its second weekend and ₹84.70 crore by its second week.^[132][133] It collected ₹93.10 crore net and crossed the ₹100 crore gross mark on its seventeenth day, becoming the second film after Sairat to achieve this milestone.^[134][135] The film earned ₹101.40 crore net collection in twenty-four days, including ₹68–70 crore from the Marathi version, becoming the first Marathi film to cross this milestone in domestic net collections.^[136][137]