Name: Raja Shivaji
Genre: Drama, Action, Historical
Duration: 3 h 16 min
Rating: 7.8
Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Genelia D'Souza, Vidya Balan

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Raja Shivaji, based on the life of one of India’s Greatest Warrior King – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who rose against formidable powers to lay the foundation of Swarajya.  Experience this grand historical spectacle on the big screen.

Raja Shivaji

Bollywood Hungama

Rediff

Taran Adarsh

Pinkvilla

Ajit Wadikar, Sandeep Patil and Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh's story is detailed and touches upon the key incidents of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life. Ajit Wadikar, Sandeep Patil and Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh's screenplay is peppered with highly dramatic, massy and emotional sequences that keep the interest going. However, the writing could have been tighter. Prajakt Deshmukh's dialogues (additional dialogues by Jaideep Yadav) are sharp.

Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh's direction is mass-appealing. From the very start, Adilshah and Nizamshah are shown to be backstabbers and inhumane. Hence, viewers immediately feel a lot of anger towards them and would root for their downfall. The actor-filmmaker executes certain scenes creatively. The scene where the enemy army attacks Pune residents during the Dussehra celebration is shocking. The character of the old woman contributes big time and kudos to Riteish for using her well to drive the story forward. Interestingly, in DHURANDHAR style, the film is divided into 8 chapters and names of characters are mentioned during their entry scenes. The rise of Raja Shivaji is displayed with full valour. Riteish reserves the best for the last 30 minutes when the much-awaited face-off takes place between Shivaji and Afzal Khan. The entire track is very massy, and it would lead to a frenzy in cinemas.

On the flipside, the film’s major issue is its runtime. At 195 minutes, it could have easily been shorter by at least 15 minutes. The interest dips in the middle portions of both halves. Also, the adult Shivaji’s entry happens only around the 55-minute mark. For the main hero to enter so late is a bit much, especially for the mass audience.
Raja Shivaji Movie Review Performances:
Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh brings the required gravitas and royal flavour to his performance. He also looks quite convincing in the action scenes. Sanjay Dutt is aptly cast as the villain. After DHURANDHAR, this is his yet another memorable performance. Abhishek A Bachchan (Sambhaji aka Shambhu) is very massy. His scenes will be greeted with claps and whistles. Performance-wise, he’s first-rate. Genelia Deshmukh keeps her act subtle yet impactful. Bhagyashree is a surprise and gives a well fleshed out performance. Vidya Balan performs ably and the way she uses her acidic tongue to get things done is entertaining. Amole Gupte is too good and also raises laughs in a crucial scene. Fardeen Khan (Shahajahan) is wasted. It’s a role that didn’t suit the actor of his stature. Sachin Khedekar is dependable, while Jitendra Joshi (Pant Gopinaath Bokil) leaves a huge mark. The actors playing the old lady, Faryad Khan, Chandrarao, Kanhoji Jedhe and young and teenage Shivaji deliver fine performances. Boman Irani (Peer Baba) is praiseworthy. Salman Khan (Jiva Mahala) is superb in a cameo.

Raja Shivaji movie music and other technical aspects:
Ajay-Atul's music is celebratory. 'Chhatrapati' delivers goosebumps and is quite catchy. 'Jai Shivrai' is also fine.

John Stewart Eduri's background score enhances the impact. Manoj Lobo's cinematography is appropriate. Nikhil Kovale, Apurva Bhagat, Shashank Tere's production design adds a classy touch and the same goes for Rushi Sharma, Manoshi Nath and Pournima Oak's costumes. Dawid Szatarski and Manohar Verma's action is mass-friendly, but it’s also disturbing. Assemblage Entertainment's VFX could have been better. Urvashi Saxena's editing should have been crisper.

Raja Shivaji Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, RAJA SHIVAJI pays a fine ode to one of India’s greatest kings and works due to its execution, abundance of drama, emotion, mass-appealing moments and a climax that is sure to lead to a frenzy in cinemas. At the box office, it is all set to run riot in Maharashtra and also has the potential to pick up significantly in other territories.

What truly makes a king?' This powerful question drives Riteish Deshmukh's rousing epic Raja Shivaji, where he shines more as a director than as an actor.

We see a young Shivaji (played by Riteish-Genelia's elder son Rahyl Deshmukh) come face to face with this question when he witnesses the pain of villagers suffering under the harsh Adilshahi rule in 17th century Pune.

In that moment, innocence meets harsh reality, and a deeper understanding begins to take shape.

When injustice grows and silence is no longer an option, the path of vidroh (rebellion) calls. This early experience shapes Shivaji's spirit at an impressionable age, building the foundation of a leader who dedicated his life to establish the strong principle of Swarajya (self-rule).

For a film about the life of the great Maratha leader Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Raja Shivaji takes an interesting approach by exploring what truly sets apart a ruler from a real king.

Raja Shivaji's action-packed plot
The legendary saga of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is obviously far too vast to be captured in a single film. Riteish, and his writing partners Ajit Wadekar and Sandeep Patil are fully aware of this, so instead of trying to cover everything, they chose to focus on the Battle of Pratapgarh, where Shivaji Maharaj defeated Afzal Khan, marking a turning point for the Maratha empire.

The film begins before Shivaji's rise to power. Shah Jahan (a hardly there Fardeen Khan) is trying to extend his rule over India, as Adil Shah (Amole Gupte) tries to push back against his dominance.

This happens during a turbulent time in Maratha history, where Shahaji Raje Bhosale (Sachin Khedekar) is constantly defending his land against powerful forces like the Shahs, Nizams, and Mughals.

As Shivaji grows up, he becomes a powerful figure and a real threat to the Adil Shahi dynasty. In an effort to counter him, careful plans are put in place, influenced by Adil Shah's wife Khadija Sultana (a strangely hammy Vidya Balan).

As tensions rise, Afzal Khan (a surprisingly effective Sanjay Dutt), the general of the Adil Shahi dynasty, is sent to confront Shivaji.

The story of Raja Shivaji unfolds in chapters, marked by titles like Rakht Ani Rakh (Blood And Ash), Ditya (Answer of Prayers), Pralay (Catastrophe), Buddhibal (A game of chess) that add a sense of urgency to the narrative, much like Dhurandhar, as the film moves forward across eight chapters.

Riteish Deshmukh's Direction Is Impressive
Director Riteish Deshmukh does a solid job of laying out the many characters and their storylines in a clear and connected way, without letting them overlap or get confusing, which is often a challenge in historical films.

But apart from the Shivaji-Afzal showdown, most of the other characters remain in the background of the main story. Still, Riteish ensures that each key character gets at least one strong moment to make their presence felt.

This goes very well for Genelia's Saibai, Maharaj's wife, who died at a young age due to a prolonged illness. There's still a long way for Genelia to fully ace the Marathi accent, and to make matters worse, she has been given quite a few poetic lines. But when she playfully says 'Cheshta Pure (stop teasing me now)', you can't help but smile because Genelia, the actor, is just so charming.

Then, in a more emotional moment, she quietly accepts her fate and says, 'In the next life, I just want you and me.'

This moment brings unexpected warmth, as the real-life couple's chemistry makes their on-screen pairing even more heartfelt.

One of the most powerful scenes comes right after the interval.

Shivaji is devastated after learning about his brother's death at Afzal Khan's hands, but he cannot find the strength to tell his mother (Bhagyashree as Jijabai). When he finally stands before her, his tearful eyes say it all, and she understands what has happened.
There are no dialogues in this moment, only Ajay-Atul's sombre music carrying the heightened emotions.

The scene then shifts as Jijabai gathers herself, and with calm strength she tells Shivaji, 'Aamhala Khan cha mastak pahije, Shivba (Bring me the head of Khan, Shivba).'

Goosebumps!

In another film, this moment could easily have turned overly dramatic, but Riteish shows surprising restraint. He stays true to the subject and avoids unnecessary larger-than-life treatment, unlike Chhaava. He understands that greatness is already built into the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, so he presents it with a subtle, more controlled sense of grandeur.

Even the much-talked-about superstar cameo, who appears wearing a saffron kurta and pheta, serves the character rather than his star image.

What is most impressive is how the film avoids the Hindu-Muslim binary, something that's often seen in mainstream Bollywood historical dramas (Even Ashutosh Gowariker's Panipat couldn't avoid that). Here, religion is treated more with a matter-of-factness rather than the source of conflict, which feels like a refreshing change.

A few glitches in Raja Shivaji
A few action sequences do stick to the tried-and-tested format though, especially with the way Riteish's heroic shots are presented.

The emergence of Shivaji Maharaj, where fire tears through his Barabandi Angarkha to reveal armour underneath, is strikingly similar to a well-known moment from Baahubali 2 featuring Prabhas. Ditto, when he slits the throat of a traitor with his sword.

The action sequences in the first half (Abhishek Bachchan dominates these scenes) are heavily stylised but start to test your patience because these moments often feel like fillers, lacking a clear context. These uneven moments are further weakened by obvious CGI and some hectic editing, which do little to create any sense of awe.

Nevertheless, it's still enjoyable to see familiar names from our history textbooks come alive on screen, with forts like Kondhana, Torana, Pratapgad, and Shivneri being referenced and at times, shown in their past glory. The stunning visuals captured by Cinematographer Santosh Sivan create a strong sense of place and time.

The drama builds up to terrific climax
Finally, Raja Shivaji builds up to a gripping extended climax that runs for nearly 30 minutes, capturing both the tension and intensity of Afzal Khan's meeting with Shivaji Maharaj.

The negotiations for their encounter are handled by their courtiers (Jitendra Joshi and Mohit Takalkar are terrific here), eventually leading to the decisive face-off.

There are no swords, no violence, and no high-energy battles. Just a sharp exchange of words and a clash of intelligence.

The entire climax is staged with such great skill that it leaves your pulse racing. By the end, any earlier complaints about the film begin to fade in this gripping final stretch.

Riteish Deshmukh, who at first appears slightly uneven, slowly finds his rhythm as the film progresses. The result is a Shivaji, who may not be a flawless portrayal, but still remains engaging throughout. Full marks for effort to actor Riteish Deshmukh.

A magnificent tribute to one of #India's greatest warrior kings – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj... Director #RiteishDeshmukh delivers a landmark film... DON'T MISS IT! #RajaShivajiReview

#RajaShivaji is a grand cinematic salute to the indomitable spirit, courage, and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj... This epic blends spectacle with soul, narrating a story that resonates deeply with pride and patriotism.

Handling a subject of such monumental importance is no easy task, but director #RiteishDeshmukh rises to the occasion with remarkable confidence and conviction... His storytelling is immersive, his vision crystal-clear, and his execution nothing short of spectacular.

As an actor too, Riteish is phenomenal – delivering his career-best performance... He portrays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with dignity, strength, and emotional depth.

The music by #AjayAtul is a towering pillar of the film... The anthem is goosebumps-inducing, while #JaiShivrai is another triumph, reaffirming their mastery... Their background score elevates every emotion, every battle cry, every moment of triumph.

Now to the performances: #SanjayDutt [brilliant – among his finest works], #AbhishekBachchan [in superb form – adds weight to the proceedings], #VidyaBalan [outstanding – her acidic one-liners land perfectly], #Bhagyashree [stunning – an absolute delight], #JitendraJoshi [first-rate – sure to grab attention], #AmoleGupte [excellent – a complete natural], #SachinKhedekar [solid – thoroughly convincing], #BomanIrani [effective in a brief role], and #GeneliaDeshmukh [super – complements the narrative beautifully]... In fact, the ensemble cast delivers across the board.

#MaheshManjrekar and #FardeenKhan have limited screen time.

WAIT, watch out for a 'S'urprise appearance by a top actor – his sequence in the final moments is bound to be greeted with thunderous applause.

The cinematography [#SantoshSivan] captures the scale and grandeur of the era magnificently... The action sequences are staged with finesse – the Chandrarao More episode, in particular, is brilliant.

Any hiccups? The runtime could have been trimmed slightly.

⭐️ Final word? #RajaShivaji is a cinematic triumph – a film that makes you feel proud, emotional, and inspired... A grand spectacle, a MUST-WATCH for every #Indian!


The film’s strongest pillar is its emotional honesty. The captain of the ship, Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh, approaches Shivaji Maharaj’s story with visible respect and restraint, never allowing spectacle to overpower sentiment. The storytelling feels rooted, and that sincerity reflects in every frame.
Ajay-Atul’s background score and music elevate the emotional beats beautifully. Every time ‘Jai Bhavani’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ echo through the theatres, goosebumps are inevitable. The production design and costumes successfully transport you to the early 1600s, making the world believable and immersive.

What stands out is that while the film is centered on Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery and valour, it does not reduce others to mere supporting shadows. Characters like Shahaji Raje, Sambhaji Raje, Jijabai, Saibai, and Kanhoji Jedhe are given space to breathe, making the world richer and emotionally fuller.

The screenplay keeps you invested, and the dialogues spark a strong sense of pride and patriotism without feeling forced.Riteish Deshmukh as Shivaji Raje Bhosal gives one of the most powerful performances of his career. He brings restraint, intelligence, softness, and calculated strength to the role. His portrayal understands that true power often lies in silence and strategy rather than loud heroism. While the larger-than-life aura feels missing in a few scenes, perhaps only Maharaj himself could fill that space. Despite knowing it is Riteish, there are moments where you genuinely see Shivaji Maharaj.

Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Raje Bhosale is a beautiful surprise. His bond with Riteish carries warmth and emotional depth, making their sibling dynamic one of the film’s strongest emotional anchors. His character arc feels wholesome, and once again, Abhishek proves that he can disappear into any role with ease.

Sachin Khedekar as Shahaji Raje Bhosale embodies the pride and unwavering strength as a warrior and as a father. His performance reflects dignity, discipline, and emotional restraint with great impact.
Genelia Deshmukh as Saibai brings softness and warmth to the screen. She is gentle, supportive, and quietly strong, perfectly fitting the emotional balance the film requires.

Bhagyashree as Jijabai delivers immense emotional strength. She represents the spirit of the mother who shaped warriors, and her restrained yet powerful performance leaves a lasting impression.

Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan is commanding and menacing. His screen presence is powerful, and every time he appears, the tension rises instantly.

Final Verdict
If you truly want to experience this film, watch it in Marathi if you understand the language. If not, rely on subtitles because some emotions lose their depth in translation.

Certain films are not meant to be judged purely as cinema. They are meant to be felt. Raja Shivaji is one of them.

Watching this film brought back the smell of old history textbooks, the colourful illustrations of kings, and that quiet pride that filled the chest as children. They fought selflessly for generations they would never meet, for us.

The question is: Are we preserving those values today? Are we truly valuing the Swarajya they fought for?

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. No statement in this article is intended to defame, harm, or malign any individual or entity.

Raja Shivaji First Look Marathi Teaser | Ritiesh D | Genelia D | Sanjay D | In Cinemas 1 May 2026

Raja Shivaji First Look Hindi Teaser | Ritiesh D | Genelia D | Sanjay D | In Cinemas 1 May 2026

Raja Shivaji Marathi Trailer | Riteish D | Genelia D | Sanjay D | In Cinemas 1 May 2026