EntertainmentPosted at: Apr 15 2026 10:07PM

Riteish Deshmukh's 'Raja Shivaji' to change the future of Marathi cinema

Mumbai, Apr 15 (UNI) The ambitious historical epic "Raja Shivaji" is rapidly shaping up to be one of the most talked-about cinematic ventures in recent times, potentially redefining the contours of Marathi cinema.
Riteish Deshmukh assumes the role of director, producer and writer and essays the lead role.
Active in the film industry for nearly 25 years, he enjoys a strong fan following in Hindi and Marathi cinema. Notably, he is one of the few actors who has not delivered a single flop in Marathi cinema. After delivering several successful and entertaining films, he is now back with his dream project, "Raja Shivaji."
The movie celebrates the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji. The film stars a stellar cast from Hindi and Marathi cinema, including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Boman Irani, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte and Genelia Deshmukh.
A few weeks ago, a teaser of "Raja Shivaji" was released, which was well-received by the audience and received a positive response on social media. Considered one of the biggest pan-India films ever made in Marathi cinema, the film is being discussed for its grand scale, spectacular production, high-octane action, rich world-building, and technical excellence.
Renowned music composer duo Ajay-Atul has composed the film's music, which further reinforces its historical grandeur.
Besides experimenting with diverse characters, Riteish has also delivered successful films like "Ved," "Mauli," and "Lai Bhaari," proving his box office prowess. All three films were box office hits, with "Ved" grossing over ₹73 crore and "Lai Bhaari" grossing approximately ₹33 crore.
With "Raja Shivaji," he is taking another big step, bringing a profound and historical story to a wider audience. The film's defining feature is its balance between mass entertainment and meaningful and impactful cinema.
Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Mumbai Film Company, the movie is produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh.
This film will release in Marathi and Hindi languages in cinemas worldwide on May 1, 2026.
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