Riteish Deshmukh's 'Raja Shivaji' Grand Trailer Launch in Mumbai
The makers of the highly anticipated historical drama 'Raja Shivaji' unveiled the film's trailer at a spectacular event in Mumbai, attended by the star-studded cast. Directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, the film explores the life and enduring legacy of the legendary Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The trailer promises a visually lavish and large-scale cinematic experience, with the soundtrack by acclaimed composers Ajay and Atul already generating significant excitement online in recent days.
Star-Studded Cast and Powerful Performances
Riteish Deshmukh, who also serves as the film's writer and producer, shared the first trailer of 'Raja Shivaji' on social media, showcasing an ensemble cast in powerful roles. The action-packed promo features:
- Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Shahaji Maharaj, Shivaji Maharaj's elder brother
- Sanjay Dutt as the formidable Afzal Khan
- Vidya Balan as Badi Begum, wife of Adilshah
- Genelia Deshmukh (Riteish's wife) appearing grandly as Saibai, Chhatrapati Shivaji's wife
- Riteish Deshmukh's son portraying a younger version of Shivaji Maharaj
Additional key characters include Sachin Khedekar as Shahaji Raje Bhosale, Bhagyashree as Jijabai, Fardeen Khan as Shah Jahan, Jitendra Joshi as Pant, and Amol Gupte as Adilshah. The film traces the comprehensive life journey of the Maratha warrior king, celebrating his monumental legacy.
Salman Khan Cameo Confirmed During Promotions
In a major promotional reveal, Riteish Deshmukh recently appeared on the grand finale of Bigg Boss Marathi season 6 on April 19 alongside Genelia Deshmukh and Abhishek Bachchan to promote 'Raja Shivaji.' While hosting the show, Riteish confirmed that Salman Khan has a special cameo in the film, though he chose not to reveal specific details about Khan's character. He only hinted that Khan plays a key role, with industry reports suggesting the actor might appear as Jiva Mahala, adding another layer of star power to this historical epic.
Production Details and Release Strategy
Backed by Jio Studios, 'Raja Shivaji' is a Mumbai Film Company production, produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh. The historical epic is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2026 (Maharashtra Day), in both Marathi and Hindi language versions. This strategic release date positions the film to go head-to-head with 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' across Indian and international markets, marking a significant clash in the entertainment calendar.
The film represents a major cinematic undertaking that aims to bring the inspiring story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to global audiences through grand production values, an exceptional cast, and meticulous attention to historical detail.
