Riteish Deshmukh has been talking about this one for years — and now, finally, the wait is over. The trailer of Raja Shivaji dropped today, April 20, 2026, and it is nothing short of breathtaking. Grand battle sequences, emotionally charged dialogues, a stacked ensemble cast, and the unmistakable spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj — it’s all here. If you haven’t watched it yet, stop everything and go watch it right now.
Raja Shivaji Film Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Film | Raja Shivaji |
| Director | Riteish Deshmukh |
| Producer | Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Jyoti Deshpande (Jio Studios) |
| Music | Ajay-Atul |
| Languages | Marathi, Hindi, Telugu |
| Release Date | May 1, 2026 (Maharashtra Day) |
| Where | Worldwide Theaters |
Raja Shivaji cast — a who’s who of Indian cinema
| Role / Actor | Name |
|---|---|
| Lead — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj | Riteish Deshmukh |
| Supporting | Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan |
| Supporting | Vidya Balan, Genelia Deshmukh |
| Supporting | Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Fardeen Khan |
| Supporting | Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Jitendra Joshi |
| Special Cameo | Salman Khan |
What the trailer reveals?
The trailer wastes absolutely no time. From the very first frame, you’re dropped into a world of saffron flags, thundering war horses, and Riteish Deshmukh in armour — a sight that immediately commands attention. What’s striking is how personal it feels. This isn’t a detached history lesson; it’s a cinematic tribute built from a place of deep reverence.
The narrative arc traces Shivaji Maharaj’s rise from a young, determined warrior to the fearless founder of the Maratha empire — his resistance against Mughal oppression and his burning vision of Swarajya (self-rule). The battle sequences are grand, the scale is unmistakably big-screen, and Ajay-Atul’s background score elevates every single moment.
Riteish Deshmukh wears both hats — actor and director — with remarkable confidence. You can feel the weight of the responsibility he has taken on, and frankly, the trailer suggests he has delivered. The supporting cast makes its presence felt even in brief glimpses — Sanjay Dutt looks menacing, Abhishek Bachchan brings gravitas, and Vidya Balan’s fleeting appearance leaves you wanting more.
The trailer also hints at rich themes of loyalty, betrayal, sacrifice, and political strategy — all the ingredients of a truly great historical epic. Riteish’s own son reportedly plays young Shivaji, adding a touching real-life layer to the film’s emotional core.
Releasing on May 1, 2026 — Maharashtra Day — the timing couldn’t be more symbolic or more fitting.
Why this matters?
Bollywood has attempted historical biopics before, but a film centred on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj — made in Marathi at its heart — is genuinely rare at this scale. The combination of a passionate director-actor, a landmark release date, and a truly A-list cast positions Raja Shivaji as one of the most anticipated films of 2026. Whether it fulfils that promise, we’ll know on May 1.
More from TechnoSports:
- Latest Bollywood Movie Trailers & Updates
- Upcoming Hindi Films of 2026 — Full Release Calendar
- Maharashtra Day Special — Movies & Sports Roundup
FAQs
Q: When is Raja Shivaji releasing in theaters?
Q: Who plays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Raja Shivaji?
A: Riteish Deshmukh plays the lead role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He has also directed and co-produced the film alongside Genelia Deshmukh and Jio Studios.
