Raja Shivaji Movie Review: Riteish Deshmukh’s Grand Historical Epic as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (2026)
Hey everyone! If you are a fan of historical dramas or Marathi cinema, Raja Shivaji is one of the biggest and most ambitious films to hit theatres in 2026. Directed, co-written, produced, and starring Riteish Deshmukh in the lead role as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this epic film released on May 1, 2026 (Maharashtra Day) and has already created massive buzz across India.
In this detailed review and guide, we cover the plot, cast, performances, direction, music, box office performance, and honest opinions about whether you should watch it.
Story and Plot Overview
Raja Shivaji is a grand historical action-drama that chronicles the inspiring journey of young Shivaji Bhosale, who rose against powerful empires to establish Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule). The film focuses on his early life, struggles, strategic brilliance, valor, and the values that made him one of India’s greatest warrior kings and the founder of the Maratha Empire.
The story highlights lesser-known anecdotes from Shivaji Maharaj’s life, his relationship with his mother Jijabai, his first wife Saibai, and key confrontations — most notably the iconic encounter with Afzal Khan. It beautifully balances action sequences with emotional and patriotic moments.
The film is available in Marathi, Hindi, and Telugu languages, with a runtime of approximately 3 hours 7 minutes (Marathi version) and slightly shorter for Hindi.
Star Cast and Performances
- Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (and younger versions played by his sons) — This is easily his career-best performance. He brings dignity, strength, and emotional depth to the iconic role.
- Genelia Deshmukh as Saibai — Warm and graceful.
- Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan — Powerful and menacing presence.
- Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Shahaji Bhonsale.
- Bhagyashree as Jijabai.
- Vidya Balan, Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Boman Irani, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, and others in pivotal roles.
- Special cameo by Salman Khan.
The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, especially Riteish, Sanjay Dutt, and the veteran actors who lend authenticity to the historical setting.
Direction and Technical Aspects
This is Riteish Deshmukh’s directorial debut in such a large-scale project, and he has handled it with passion. The film features stunning visuals, grand battle sequences, impressive VFX, and rich production design that recreates 17th-century Maharashtra convincingly.
Ajay-Atul’s music is a major highlight, with powerful and soul-stirring songs that elevate the patriotic emotion. The background score adds intensity to the action and emotional scenes.
Box Office Performance
Raja Shivaji has emerged as a massive success:
- It opened strongly with around ₹11.35 crore on Day 1.
- Crossed ₹93–114 crore worldwide within the first few weeks.
- Became the highest-grossing Marathi film of all time, surpassing previous records.
The film has received excellent word-of-mouth, especially in Maharashtra, where theatres were packed for weeks. The Hindi version also contributed significantly to its pan-India appeal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful patriotic storytelling
- Riteish Deshmukh’s sincere and commanding performance
- Grand visuals and action sequences
- Excellent music by Ajay-Atul
- Strong supporting cast
- Emotional connect with Marathi and Indian audiences
Cons:
- Some critics found the 3+ hour runtime slightly lengthy
- Narrative feels a bit episodic in parts
- Heavy focus on glorification rather than deep character exploration (as noted by some reviewers)
Who Should Watch Raja Shivaji?
This film is a must-watch for:
- Fans of historical and patriotic cinema
- Marathi cinema lovers
- Anyone who wants to experience the inspiring story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the big screen
- Families looking for a grand, clean entertainer (UA16+)
If you enjoy films like Tanhaji, Chhaava, or Bajirao Mastani, you will likely appreciate Raja Shivaji.
Final Verdict
Raja Shivaji is a proud, large-hearted tribute to one of India’s greatest icons. While it may not be perfect in every cinematic aspect, Riteish Deshmukh’s passion project succeeds in what it sets out to do — celebrate the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with grandeur and respect.
The film has already made history at the box office and in the hearts of audiences. It reminds us of the values of courage, strategy, and love for Swarajya that remain relevant even today.
Rating: 4/5 (Highly recommended for theatre experience!)
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