20 April,2026 05:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Riteish Deshmukh in a still from Raja Shivaji
The trailer of Raja Shivaji has been unveiled by Riteish Deshmukh, who plays the legendary Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film also stars Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Vidya Balan in pivotal roles.
The trailer offers a glimpse into the film, with Riteish portraying Shivaji as a determined leader striving to establish swarajya (self-rule) in his land. He takes on the formidable Mughal commander Afzal Khan, played by Sanjay Dutt, in intense sword-fighting sequences. Abhishek Bachchan essays the role of Shivaji's brother, Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosle, as the two join forces in their fight against the Mughals. The film highlights a crucial chapter from Shivaji's life, focusing on how he outmaneuvered Afzal Khan using strategic guerrilla warfare.
The film features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan, Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Shahaji Maharaj (Shivaji Maharaj's brother), Sachin Khedekar as Shahaji Raje Bhosale, Bhagyashree as Jijabai, Vidya Balan as Badi Begum (Adilshah's wife), Fardeen Khan as Shah Jahan, Jitendra Joshi as Pant, Amol Gupte as Adilshah, and Genelia Deshmukh as Sai Bai. Riteish and Genelia's son essays the role of a young Shivaji.
Mounted on an unprecedented scale, Raja Shivaji is poised to be a landmark cinematic event - a blend of cultural pride, mainstream storytelling, and cinematic excellence. The film boasts an ensemble cast from across Hindi and Marathi cinema, including Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte.
Set in an era of clashing empires and rising rebellions, the film chronicles the extraordinary journey of a young Shivaji who defied the odds to become a revered ruler and lay the foundation of Swarajya. Backed by music composers Ajay-Atul and cinematographer Santosh Sivan - who makes his Marathi cinema debut - the film is currently being shot across Mumbai and Wai in Maharashtra. It promises a visually immersive and emotionally stirring experience.
Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the Mumbai Film Company banner, Raja Shivaji is directed by Riteish Deshmukh and is slated for a global release on May 1, 2026 in multiple languages.
