The upcoming historical film Raja Shivaji is one of the most ambitious Indian projects in recent years. Based on the life of the legendary Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the film aims to bring his powerful story to the big screen with scale, emotion, and grandeur.
Release Date
Raja Shivaji is officially scheduled for a theatrical release on 1 May 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day.
The film will release in multiple languages including Marathi and Hindi, along with dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. This pan-India release strategy shows that the makers are targeting a wide audience across the country.
Cast Names
The film features a massive ensemble cast led by:
- Riteish Deshmukh as Shivaji Maharaj
- Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan
- Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji
- Genelia Deshmukh as Saibai
- Mahesh Manjrekar
- Sachin Khedekar
- Bhagyashree as Jijabai
- Fardeen Khan as Aurangzeb
- Jitendra Joshi
- Amole Gupte
- Vidya Balan
- Boman Irani
The film also includes a special appearance by Salman Khan, which adds even more star power to the project.
Story (Plot)
Raja Shivaji is a historical action-drama that tells the story of Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire.
The film is expected to cover key moments from his life, including his rise as a warrior, his strategic battles, and his fight against powerful enemies like the Mughals. It will also highlight his leadership, vision, and the establishment of a strong and independent kingdom.
Rather than focusing on just one event, the film aims to present a broader journey of Shivaji Maharaj—his courage, intelligence, and the legacy he left behind. With large-scale battle sequences and emotional storytelling, the film is designed to capture both history and drama.
Director, Makers & Technical Team
- Director: Riteish Deshmukh
- Producers: Genelia Deshmukh, Jyoti Deshpande
- Music: Ajay–Atul
- Cinematography: Santosh Sivan
- Production: Mumbai Film Company, Jio Studios
The film was officially announced in February 2024, and shooting began the same month across locations like Mumbai, Satara, and the Western Ghats.
Total Budget
The official budget of Raja Shivaji has not been publicly disclosed yet.
However, considering its large cast, multiple shooting locations, and pan-India scale, the film is expected to be made on a high budget, similar to other big historical epics in Indian cinema.
Final Thoughts
Raja Shivaji is not just another historical film—it’s a tribute to one of India’s greatest warriors. With a powerful cast, experienced technical team, and a story rooted in real history, the film carries huge expectations.
If executed well, it has the potential to become a landmark film in Indian cinema. For audiences who enjoy history, action, and grand storytelling, Raja Shivaji is definitely a film to watch out for in 2026.
