Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company have released the trailer for “Raja Shivaji,” the historical epic charting the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The film is set for a worldwide release on May 1 in the Marathi and Hindi languages.
“Raja Shivaji” chronicles the rise of young Shivaji Bhonsale, who challenged the might of established empires to found the Maratha kingdom and lay the groundwork for “Swarajya” (self-rule) during a turbulent period of Indian history.
Riteish Deshmukh serves as director, lead actor, writer and producer on the project, which traces the evolution of the young warrior into one of India’s most revered historical figures. The production draws from lesser-known stories surrounding the leader’s life, focusing on his strategic acumen and valor.
The trailer launch event in Mumbai was attended by Jyoti Deshpande, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Jitendra Joshi, Genelia Deshmukh and music composers Ajay–Atul. The film’s earlier-released teaser and title anthem “Chhatrapati” have already generated strong audience response.
“For 10 years, I have been trying to make Raja Shivaji. When we finally began in 2023, it feels like even Maharaj is saying – now your time has come,” Deshmukh said at the launch. “Because dreams alone don’t make things happen. To bring them to life, you need support. Jio Studios and Jyoti Deshpande stood by us and showed that courage and I am extremely grateful to them.” The director and star described the film as “a humble offering… at the feet of Maharaj.”
“‘Raja Shivaji’ is not just a film, it is a celebration of India’s spirit, identity, and rich history,” said Jyoti Deshpande, president of Jio Studios. Jio Studios previously backed the massively successful “Dhurandhar” duology. “At Jio Studios, our endeavor has always been to champion stories that are rooted in India yet resonate universally. The phenomenal success of the ‘Dhurandhar’ duology reaffirmed that audiences are deeply connected to powerful, homegrown narratives told with conviction and scale. With ‘Raja Shivaji,’ we continue that journey, bringing to life the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a towering symbol of courage, vision, and Hindavi Swarajya, whose larger-than-life legacy continues to inspire generations.”
“We wanted to showcase the human story behind the legend as well as his strategic brilliance and valor. Riteish and his team have crafted a narrative that goes beyond the spectacle to explore the making of a leader, his values, and the forces that shaped him,” Deshpande continued. “Backed by authenticity, scale, a stellar ensemble cast and soul-stirring music, ‘Raja Shivaji’ reflects our commitment to presenting Indian stories with both grandeur and heart to audiences across the world. This is not just a cinematic experience, but a tribute to the pride of India, bringing the pages of our history books alive for audiences across generations.”
“I feel deeply emotional today and I am truly grateful to the entire team from production to design to every single person who came together to bring this vision alive,” said producer and cast member Genelia Deshmukh. “More than just a film, ‘Raja Shivaji’ is our heartfelt tribute to the legend his life, his legacy, and everything he stands for. It’s not just a project, it’s a responsibility and a blessing that we could bring this dream to life.”
The ensemble cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Boman Irani, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh, and Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh.
The production features music by Ajay–Atul and cinematography by Santosh Sivan. Jio Studios is presenting the Mumbai Film Company production, with Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh producing.
The May 1 release date coincides with Maharashtra Day, a holiday commemorating the formation of the western Indian state of Maharashtra from which the titular ruler hailed.
Watch the trailer here:
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