Mumbai’s cinematic landscape is buzzing with excitement as Bollywood icons Vidya Balan and Bhagyashree throw their weight behind Ritesh Deshmukh’s ambitious project, ‘Raja Shivaji’. On the auspicious occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Jayanti, celebrated every February 19 across Maharashtra, the actresses took to Instagram to share the film’s first poster, igniting nationwide anticipation.
Bhagyashree’s poignant caption evoked the spirit of Shivaji’s era: ‘When darkness yearned for light, a towering flame arose, halting history in its tracks. A young warrior dared to rewrite it when the nation sought honor. A son swore an oath, laying the foundation of Swarajya.’ She further praised the film as a grand tribute to ‘our king, our pride, our legacy’, directed by Ritesh Vilasrao Deshmukh, set for release on May 1.
This pan-India epic, produced by Jio Studios and Mumbai Films Company, stars Ritesh Deshmukh in the lead role of young Shivaji Bhonsle, alongside a stellar cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupta, and Genelia Deshmukh, who also co-produces. The narrative delves deep into Shivaji’s struggles and the birth of self-rule, promising a visual spectacle in multiple languages.
Vidya Balan echoed similar sentiments, amplifying the film’s portrayal as a cinematic homage to Maharashtra’s iconic ruler. As ‘Raja Shivaji’ gears up for a May 1, 2026, nationwide release in Marathi, Hindi, and more, audiences are eager to witness if this powerhouse ensemble delivers a box-office blockbuster that honors history while captivating modern viewers.
The film’s grand vision has already positioned it as more than entertainment—it’s a celebration of cultural heritage, blending historical accuracy with Bollywood grandeur. With Ritesh wearing dual hats as actor and director, expectations are sky-high for an immersive experience that revives Shivaji’s timeless legacy.