Riteish Deshmukh's directorial debut, Raja Shivaji, has opened to a decent start at the box office. The historical drama, which hit theatres on May 1, collected approximately Rs 4.5 crore on its opening day.
Day 1 Performance
The film, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, saw a strong response in Maharashtra and other parts of India. The opening day collection is considered promising, given the mixed reviews from critics. The movie earned Rs 4.5 crore nett in India, with occupancy rates around 30% in major multiplexes.
Audience Reception
While the film has been praised for its grand visuals and Riteish Deshmukh's direction, some critics pointed out pacing issues. However, the audience has shown interest, especially in the Marathi-speaking belt. The film is expected to see growth over the weekend due to positive word-of-mouth.
Comparison with Other Releases
Raja Shivaji faced competition from Hollywood release Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which also released on the same day. Despite this, the historical drama managed to hold its ground. Trade analysts predict a weekend collection of around Rs 15-18 crore if the trend continues.
Cast and Crew
Apart from directing, Riteish Deshmukh also plays the lead role of Shivaji Maharaj. The film features an ensemble cast including Genelia Deshmukh, Ajay Devgn, and others. Produced by Viacom18 Studios, the movie has a runtime of 2 hours 45 minutes.
Overall, Raja Shivaji has made a decent start, and its performance in the coming days will be crucial for its box office success.
