Bollywood actor and director Riteish Deshmukh has shared heartfelt insights about his much-anticipated upcoming directorial venture, the historical epic 'Raja Shivaji'. In a recent social media exchange, Deshmukh described the film as a sincere homage to the legendary Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while acknowledging the significant journey still ahead for the project.
A Birthday Wish Sparks Revelation
The revelation came in response to a warm birthday message from veteran actor Suniel Shetty. Shetty took to social media to wish Riteish on his 47th birthday, sharing the film's poster and expressing confidence that this year would be "really really special" for the actor-director. He praised the "heart and soul" Deshmukh is pouring into the project, predicting a "blockbuster year" for him.
In his grateful reply, Riteish Deshmukh wrote, "Thank you my darling Anna, need all your wishes and blessings." He then offered a crucial update on the film's status, stating, "Raja Shivaji, is a humble tribute to the great warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje from the entire team working on this film. Half way there long way to go." This candid remark highlights both the progress made and the scale of work remaining on this ambitious cinematic endeavor.
Monumental Production and Grand Vision
The film, which chronicles the extraordinary journey of one of India's most revered kings, officially wrapped its principal photography on December 16. To achieve visual authenticity, the production undertook a massive undertaking. Monumental sets, reflecting the grandeur of 16th-century Maharashtra, were erected and stood for over six months.
The team conducted extensive research, scanning historic forts to recreate them with meticulous attention to detail. This effort aims to immerse audiences fully in the world of the Maratha Empire. The shooting spanned several iconic and scenic locations across Maharashtra, including Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Satara, and Mumbai.
Global Release and Enduring Legacy
'Raja Shivaji' is slated for a worldwide multilingual release on May 1, 2026. This global rollout strategy underscores the filmmakers' ambition to bring the enduring legacy and inspiring story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to audiences across the globe. The project is positioned as a major historical action drama, promising a blend of spectacle and reverence for its iconic subject.
Riteish Deshmukh's dual role as director and actor in this passion project has been closely watched. His recent comments, sparked by Suniel Shetty's birthday wishes, confirm the film's steady progress while tempering expectations with realism about the challenging path to completion. The industry and audiences alike now eagerly await further glimpses of this tribute to a legendary Indian warrior.
