Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company’s Raja Shivaji (dubbed from the Marathi film of the same name; UA) is the story of fearless Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A historical action drama, it mainly deals with Shivaji Raje Bhosale’s (Ritesh Deshmukh) fight against Bijapur ruler Adilshah (Amol Gupte). Adilshah’s commander, Afzal Khan (Sanjay Dutt), is at loggerheads with the Bhosales. He kills Shivaji’s elder brother, Sambhaji Raje Bhosale (Abhishek Bachchan). Shivaji’s mother (Bhagyashree) asks Shivaji to now kill Afzal Khan to avenge the murder of Sambhaji. How Shivaji seeks revenge forms the crux of the drama.
Ajit Wadekar, Sandeep Patil and Ritesh Deshmukh have written a story based on chapters from history. The story is interesting but it is so well-known that there’s no novelty factor in it. Having said that, it must be added that it will appeal more to the audience in Maharashtra because although Shivaji Maharaj was a national hero, his fan following was more in Maharashtra. The screenplay, written by the trio, is engaging but it is also too long-drawn. Action scenes have been stretched too much. Also, the verbosity of the drama sometimes gets a bit too much for the audience. Another drawback is that the pace of the drama is slow. A far more fast-paced drama would’ve added to the thrill element. Prajakt Deshmukh’s dialogues, with additional dialogues by Jaydeep Yadav, are very good at several places.
Ritesh Deshmukh looks the character and acts very well in the title role. Genelia Deshmukh lends dignity to the character of Saibai, wife of Shivaji Maharaj. She acts with aplomb in a brief role. Abhishek Bachchan is nice in the role of Sambhaji Raje Bhosale. Sachin Khedekar makes his mark as Shahaji Raje Bhosale. Bhagyashree makes a fine impact as Rajmata Jijau Bhosale. Mahesh Manjrekar creates an impact in a tiny role as Lakhuji Raje. Sanjay Dutt does extremely well as Commander Afzal Khan. Amol Gupte is effective as Adilshah. Vidya Balan makes her presence amply felt as Badi Begum. Her dialogue delivery deserves distinction marks. Boman Irani is good in a small role as Peer Baba. Fardeen Khan looks like a king and acts with sincerity. Salman Khan adds tremendous star value in a brief friendly appearance as Jiva Mahala. Jitendra Joshi lends fantastic support as Pant. Ashok Samarth shines as Chandarrao. Others provide lovely support.
Ritesh Deshmukh’s direction is very good. Ajay-Atul’s music may appeal to the Marathi-speaking audience in the Marathi version of the film, but it does not have much appeal for the Hindi film-going viewers. Lyrics (Manoj Muntashir and Ajay-Atul) are weighty. Remo D’Souza’s choreography is okay. John Stewart Eduri’s background music is impactful. Santosh Sivan’s cinematography is extraordinary. Action and stunt scenes have been well choreographed by Dawid Szatarski and Manohar Verma. Production designing (by Nikhil Kovale, Apurva Bhagat and Shashank Tere) is of a good standard. Urvashi Saxena’s editing should’ve been sharper. Dubbing is excellent.
On the whole, Raja Shivaji is a well-made film but its box-office prospects are ordinary because a historical film ought to be outstanding for it to appeal to an all-India audience, which this film is not. However, the performance of the original Marathi version at the box-office in Maharashtra will be good.
Released on 1-5-’26 at Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay by Jio Studios. Publicity: good. Opening: ordinary. The opening of the original Marathi version is excellent. …….Also released (Hindi dubbed version) all over. Opening was below the mark at most of the places.
