Raja Shivaji

Raja Shivaji — Release Date: May 1, 2026. Directed by Riteish Deshmukh, the historical epic chronicles the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the visionary founder of the Maratha Empire, tracing his transformation from a determined young leader into a sovereign king who reshaped India’s political and military landscape.

Set against the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats and the shifting power structures of 17th-century India, the film focuses on the period during which Shivaji consolidates his kingdom, challenges entrenched imperial forces, and establishes a new model of governance rooted in Swarajya (self-rule). Rather than approaching history as spectacle alone, Raja Shivaji foregrounds strategy, leadership, and moral conviction—examining how military intelligence, fort-based warfare, and people-centric administration became the backbone of the Maratha state.

The narrative places significant emphasis on Shivaji’s ideological formation, shaped by his mother Jijabai, whose influence anchors the film’s emotional and philosophical core. Political confrontations with powerful adversaries—including the fateful conflict with Afzal Khan—are depicted as turning points that define Shivaji’s tactical brilliance and uncompromising resolve. These moments are framed not merely as battles, but as tests of sovereignty, diplomacy, and survival.

Shot simultaneously in Marathi and Hindi, the film adopts a pan-Indian cinematic language while remaining grounded in historical authenticity. Extensive location shoots across Mumbai, Satara, Wai, Mahabaleshwar, and the Sahyadri ranges, combined with meticulously reconstructed forts and period detailing, lend the film a textured, immersive visual identity. Cinematography by Santosh Sivan emphasizes natural light, terrain, and scale, reinforcing the relationship between geography and power.

Produced by Genelia Deshmukh and Jyoti Deshpande, Raja Shivaji positions itself as both a cultural chronicle and a political origin story—capturing the moment when resistance crystallized into empire, and a leader became a symbol of enduring self-rule.