
Pune, May 21, 2025: In a monumental announcement that is set to reshape the landscape of Indian cinema, Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company have officially unveiled their upcoming magnum opus, ‘Raja Shivaji’. Slated for a global theatrical release on May 1, 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, this ambitious multilingual historical action drama is directed by and stars Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh in the titular role.

‘Raja Shivaji’ will feature a stellar ensemble cast comprising some of Indian cinema’s most celebrated names including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Genelia Deshmukh, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, and Amol Gupte, alongside Riteish Deshmukh. This powerful lineup is expected to bring depth and intensity to the timeless saga of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of India’s most revered historical figures.
To truly honor the legend of Shivaji Maharaj and take his inspiring tale to the world, ‘Raja Shivaji’ will be released in six Indian languages: Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. The film is designed to resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries, bringing the heroic story of Swarajya to global audiences.
The film promises to be a cultural milestone, not just for Maharashtra but for India as a whole. With regional cinema gaining global recognition, this project aims to be a landmark in Indian cinematic history.
Set in an era where empires clashed and the common man suffered under oppression, ‘Raja Shivaji’ narrates the story of a visionary warrior who challenged mighty dynasties and laid the foundation of Swarajya—self-rule. It is a tale of courage, strategy, resilience, and unwavering patriotism.
Riteish Deshmukh, speaking about his directorial venture, said,
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a historical figure—he is an emotion. Bringing his life to the big screen is a matter of immense pride and responsibility. I am honored and grateful to Jio Studios for believing in my vision. Releasing this film on Maharashtra Day is symbolic of the spirit of the film.”
‘Raja Shivaji’ will mark the Marathi cinema debut of renowned cinematographer Santosh Sivan, whose cinematic vision is expected to elevate the visual storytelling to global standards. The music will be composed by the much-loved duo Ajay-Atul, known for their emotionally stirring and culturally rooted compositions.
Currently being filmed in Mumbai and Wai, the film is expected to feature grand war sequences, authentic period detail, and a strong emotional core.
Jyoti Deshpande, President of Media and Content Business at Reliance Industries Limited, emphasized the magnitude of the project:
“Raja Shivaji is not just a film; it’s a tribute to the legacy of one of India’s greatest sons. It is a dream being passionately realized by Riteish and Genelia. We are proud to present this story that will inspire generations across India and beyond.”
Genelia Deshmukh, co-producer and founder of Mumbai Film Company, added:
“This film is the result of years of dedication, respect, and love for a legendary figure who has inspired countless Indians. We’re grateful to Jio Studios for supporting our dream and helping us bring this powerful story to audiences across the world.”
With its historical relevance, pan-India star power, and multilingual release strategy, ‘Raja Shivaji’ is poised to be one of the most awaited Indian films of 2026. The collaboration between Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, along with a compelling narrative rooted in the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, promises a cinematic experience that will resonate with audiences across regions and generations.
As India and the world prepare to witness this grand portrayal of heroism, ‘Raja Shivaji’ is expected to leave an indelible mark on Indian and global cinema.






