Riteish Deshmukh wraps up Raja Shivaji with a poetic note: The sun stopped for a moment…
The filming of Marathi cinema’s much-awaited historical epic Raja Shivaji, directed by Riteish Deshmukh, has ended. Production is now moving into its final stages ahead of a global release scheduled for May 2026.
filming of Raja ShivajiConsidered to be Marathi cinema’s most ambitious landmark project to date, it has officially closed after nearly twelve months of production. Directed by Riteish Deshmukh and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banner of Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, the film is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2026. The film aims to showcase the life and achievements of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a great figure in Indian history, through a multilingual and large-scale cinematic approach.
Ritesh, who is playing a great roleannounced the completion of filming on social media, sharing an image from the set with a poetic message that reflected both the conclusion of filming and the anticipation of its release. Their announcement immediately brought reactions from fans and industry colleagues, demonstrating a high level of interest and emotional investment in the project.
Production for Raja Shivaji took place in several locations known for their historical significance and scenic beauty, including Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Satara, Mumbai and surrounding areas. To achieve historical authenticity, the production team built large sets that were built over a period of more than six months. Major forts were scanned, studied and recreated with meticulous attention to detail, allowing the film’s production design to give audiences an immersive experience in 16th century Maharashtra.
The filmmakers have highlighted that the film will feature action sequences and visual effects not seen before in Marathi cinema, aiming to create an immersive storytelling experience that sets new technical standards in the industry. Now undergoing post-production, Raja Shivaji is positioned as a potential milestone for the regional film sector.
A notable aspect of the production is its experienced creative team. The soundtrack is composed by renowned duo Ajay-Atul, while renowned cinematographer Santosh Sivan marks his first Marathi film project. His contribution is expected to bring both emotional depth and visual grandeur to the film.
The cast includes prominent names like Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh and Ritesh Vilasrao Deshmukh. The makers have indicated that several surprise cast appearances will also be reserved for the theatrical release.
Set during a period of clash of empires and rise of rebellion, the film follows the journey of young Shivaji as he challenges powerful opponents to establish Swarajya.
With the shooting phase concluded and post-production in progress, the team behind Raja Shivaji is focused on presenting an authentic and engaging historical narrative. The anticipation surrounding the film underlines its potential impact on Marathi cinema and its broader cultural reach.
