Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has heaped praise on Riteish Deshmukh's latest directorial and acting venture, 'Raja Shivaji', for its remarkable box office performance. The film, which opened to a thunderous response from both critics and audiences, has been described by Varma as a 'slashing and smashing' success.
RGV's Shoutout
Taking to social media, Varma congratulated the team, writing, 'Hey @geneliad CONGRATS on the way your #RajaShivaji is both SLASHING and SMASHING the BOXOFFICE .. @Riteishd both as DIRECTOR and ACTOR is creating MAYHEM in the THEATRES and he literally looks #ShivajiMaharaj REINCARNATED.' The tweet, posted on May 1, 2026, quickly went viral, drawing attention to the film's strong performance.
Film's Reception
'Raja Shivaji' marks Riteish Deshmukh's return to the director's chair and showcases his acting prowess in a historical role. The film's opening was met with widespread acclaim, with many praising Deshmukh's portrayal of the legendary Maratha king. The box office numbers have been impressive, reflecting the film's popularity among audiences.
The endorsement from Ram Gopal Varma, known for his own iconic films, adds to the film's growing credibility. Varma's comparison of Deshmukh to a reincarnation of Shivaji Maharaj has sparked further interest in the film.
Industry Impact
The success of 'Raja Shivaji' is seen as a boost for historical dramas in Bollywood, a genre that has seen mixed results in recent years. Deshmukh's dual role as director and lead actor has been particularly noted, with industry insiders suggesting that this could pave the way for more actor-directors in the space.
As the film continues its run, it remains to be seen how long its box office momentum will last. However, with the backing of a respected filmmaker like Ram Gopal Varma, 'Raja Shivaji' is poised to leave a lasting mark on the industry.
