The shooting of Raja Shivaji, Marathi cinema’s most ambitious and biggest historical film, has officially concluded. Directed by Riteish Deshmukh and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banners of Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, the film brings to life the extraordinary journey of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of India’s most revered kings. The multilingual action drama is slated for a worldwide release on May 1, 2026.
Shot over the past year, Raja Shivaji was filmed in iconic and scenic locations such as Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Satara, and Mumbai. Monumental sets, painstakingly crafted to reflect the grandeur and intensity of 16th-century Maharashtra, stood for more than six months. The filmmakers meticulously recreated historic forts through extensive research and 3D scanning, ensuring a visually authentic and immersive cinematic experience that transports audiences into the Maratha Empire.
The film promises groundbreaking action sequences enhanced by cutting-edge VFX, marking a first-of-its-kind technical achievement for Marathi cinema. With this scale and ambition, Raja Shivaji is poised to set new benchmarks and reshape the future of regional Indian cinema.
Music duo Ajay–Atul composes the soundtrack, while acclaimed cinematographer Santosh Sivan, making his Marathi cinema debut, lends his visual mastery to the project. The film features a powerhouse ensemble cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh, Riteish Deshmukh, and several surprise appearances.
Set against the backdrop of clashing empires and rising rebellions, Raja Shivaji traces the inspiring journey of the young Shivaji Maharaj who defied powerful forces to establish Swarajya, laying the foundation of the Maratha Empire. The film promises a visually rich and emotionally compelling story that honors the enduring legacy of the great king.
Riteish Deshmukh shared a poetic reflection from the sets on social media, highlighting the film’s epic scale and emotional depth.
Following the success of Jio Studios’ Dhurandhar, Raja Shivaji aims to be another defining spectacle in Indian cinema, blending history with high-octane entertainment for audiences worldwide.
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