Riteish Deshmukh’s historical epic opens strong
Mumbai: Released on the occasion of Maharashtra Day, Raja Shivaji arrives as more than just a period drama-it is a cinematic tribute to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the enduring idea of Swarajya (self-rule). Directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, the film has drawn a positive initial response from audiences.
Day 1 Box Office Performance
According to early estimates by Sacnilk, the film recorded approximately ₹5.34 crore in net collections on its opening day in India, with gross earnings reaching around ₹6.30 crore. The film was screened across 3,341 shows nationwide. These figures are preliminary and expected to be updated with final numbers.
A Grand Retelling of History
Spanning 3 hours and 15 minutes, Raja Shivaji traces the life, struggles, and vision of Swarajya championed by Shivaji Maharaj. The narrative blends large-scale battle sequences with emotionally grounded storytelling, highlighting cultural traditions, personal relationships, and defining moments that shaped Maratha history.
Cast and Characters
Riteish Deshmukh leads the film as Shivaji Maharaj, while Sanjay Dutt portrays Afzal Khan. Abhishek Bachchan appears as Sambhaji Maharaj, and Fardeen Khan takes on the role of Shah Jahan.
Bhagyashree plays Jijau, supported by a strong ensemble including Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Jitendra Joshi, and Amol Gupte. Genelia Deshmukh features as Shivaji’s wife, while Salman Khan makes a cameo appearance as Jiva Mahala.
Production and Music
The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the Mumbai Film Company banner and presented by Jio Studios. The soundtrack is composed by the acclaimed duo Ajay-Atul.
Released in Hindi, Marathi, and Telugu, Raja Shivaji aims to resonate with audiences across regions while celebrating a defining chapter of Indian history.
