Raja Shivaji, directed by Riteish Deshmukh, is a large-scale historical film that presents the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in a simplified cinematic manner rather than as a detailed historical documentary. Right at the start, the film clearly states that it is “kalpanik”, meaning fictional, and that cinematic liberties have been taken. This sets the tone well, preparing the audience for a version of history that is selective and presented in episodic chapters instead of a complete factual retelling.
The narrative begins even before the birth of Shivaji Maharaj (Riteish Deshmukh), and gradually moves through his early years, finally leading up to the well-known encounter with Afzal Khan (Sanjay Dutt). As the story unfolds, it builds the political landscape of the time through key figures such as Shahaji Raje Bhosale (Sachin Khedekar), a powerful leader navigating between the Mughal Empire, the Adilshahi Sultanate, and the Nizamshahi Sultanate. Characters like Khadija Sultana, also known as Badi Begum (Vidya Balan), and Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (Fardeen Khan), help establish the political environment in a way that is easy to follow. Amole Gupte as Mohammed Adil Shah adds brief comic relief in between intense portions and fits the role well.
The film then brings in the personal side of Shivaji’s life through Shivaji’s elder brother Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale (Abhishek Bachchan) though in a limited shared screen time. While these moments aim to create emotional depth, they fall slightly short of delivering the intended impact. Bhagyashree plays Jijabai, Shivaji’s mother, and though her presence is not extensive, she remains an important emotional anchor throughout the narrative.
Towards the end, the film introduces a surprise element with Salman Khan appearing as Jiva Mahala, Shivaji’s bodyguard. However, instead of adding weight to the moment, his entry unexpectedly draws laughter, even during a crucial sequence where he saves Shivaji from an attack. It comes across as a slightly forced inclusion of star power in a story that already revolves around a real-life hero who does not need such embellishment.
From a filmmaking point of view, the ambition to create grandeur is clearly visible. The scale is big, but the CG (computer graphics) and VFX (visual effects) do not always match that vision and can feel inconsistent in places. Even then, audiences who are emotionally invested in the story may overlook these flaws. The action sequences are often stretched with slow-motion shots to enhance heroism, but this approach feels unnecessary since Shivaji Maharaj is already a real hero. A stronger focus on his political intelligence and strategic warfare might have made the storytelling more impactful.
One of the strongest aspects of the film is its music by Ajay-Atul. In several scenes, the music carries the emotion and adds depth to the visuals. The songs and background score feel deeply patriotic and rooted in Maratha pride. There are also impactful dialogues, though they might have resonated even more strongly in the original Marathi version.
Riteish Deshmukh makes a sincere effort to portray Shivaji Maharaj with dignity and seriousness, stepping away from his usual screen image. Genelia D’Souza, playing Sai, Shivaji’s wife, adds warmth and emotional balance whenever she appears on screen.
Overall, the film attempts to strike a balance between being a mass entertainer and a historical narrative, but it does not always explore the depth of Shivaji Maharaj’s strategic brilliance. For viewers with limited knowledge of history, it might be difficult to judge how complete or accurate the depiction is, as the film clearly focuses on selected moments presented in a dramatic way.
In the end, Raja Shivaji works as a visual and emotional experience that celebrates an important historical figure. It may not fully satisfy every viewer, but for those who enjoy watching historical dramas on the big screen, it stands as a one-time watch.
Movie: Raja Shivaji
Directed by: Riteish Deshmukh
Featuring: Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Genelia Deshmukh, Mahesh Manjrekar, Fardeen Khan, Bhagyashree, Sachin Khedekar, Amole Gupte, Boman Irani, Jitendra Joshi
Dialogues by: Prajakt Deshmukh
Music by: Ajay-Atul
Theatrical Release Date: 1 May 2026
Streaming Partner: Netflix
Run Time: 3hrs 7mins
Raja Shivaji
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