About Raja Shivaji - The Film

Release Date: May 1, 2026 | Director: Riteish Deshmukh | Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan

Raja Shivaji movie poster featuring Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Marking Riteish Deshmukh's directorial debut, Raja Shivaji is a historical action drama that chronicles the early life and rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th-century Maratha king who founded the Maratha Empire. The film depicts his military strategies, administration reforms, and his enduring legacy as a symbol of resistance and good governance.

The casting is noteworthy: Riteish Deshmukh takes on the challenging lead role after years of comic performances, while Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt play key supporting characters. Abhishek Bachchan appears in a special appearance, adding further star power to what is already one of the most talked-about ensemble casts of 2026.

The film is shot simultaneously in six languages - Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam - ensuring a truly pan-India reach. This ambitious multi-lingual approach reflects the producers' confidence in the story's universal appeal and the historical figure's national significance.

Why Raja Shivaji Is Worth Watching

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj historical portrait

First, the scale and ambition are unprecedented for an Indian historical biopic. Early production stills suggest lavish sets, authentic period costumes, and large-scale battle sequences that aim to rival international historical epics.

Second, the directorial debut angle adds intrigue. Riteish Deshmukh, known primarily for comedy roles, stepping behind the camera for such a serious, large-scale project demonstrates a deliberate career shift - and early industry whispers suggest he has handled the material with surprising gravitas.

Third, the timing is perfect. With growing audience interest in Indian historical narratives (following the success of films like "Tanhaji" and "Panipat"), a well-made Shivaji biopic has the potential to resonate deeply with audiences across demographics and regions.

Finally, the ensemble cast guarantees box-office draw. Salman Khan's presence alone ensures massive opening-day numbers in North India, while the southern stars in the multi-lingual versions will pull crowds in those markets.

Where to Watch / Book Tickets

Raja Shivaji will release nationwide on Friday, May 1, 2026 across all major multiplex chains:

PVR Cinemas - All major cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, etc.
INOX - Premium and standard screens nationwide
Cinepolis - Metro and Tier1 city locations
Regional chains - Carnival, SPI, AGS, and others for the multi-lingual versions

Advanced bookings are expected to open approximately 1014 days before release (midApril 2026). Given the star cast and historical subject, early booking is recommended, especially for IMAX, 4DX, or other premium formats.

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