Raja Shivaji, directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, is set to release on May 1 in cinemas across India. This historical drama, which chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, will be available in both Marathi and Hindi. Notably, the Hindi version will be shorter than its Marathi counterpart by several minutes. The film’s release coincides with Maharashtra Day, adding a layer of significance to its debut. Raja Shivaji is being touted as a large-scale period production and is reported to be the most expensive Marathi film to date, with industry estimates placing its budget at around Rs 100 crore.
The film will be released in two languages, each with different runtimes, which is a rare approach for such projects. The Marathi version received its censor certificate on April 24, running for 195.05 minutes, or 3 hours, 15 minutes, and 5 seconds, providing a longer viewing experience for Marathi audiences. In contrast, the Hindi version has been trimmed by exactly 8 minutes, resulting in a more concise narrative for non-Marathi viewers. This version was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification on April 28 with a U/A 16+ rating, and both versions are set to launch on the same date.
Riteish Deshmukh takes on the dual role of lead actor and director, portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film also features a personal connection for the Deshmukh family, as Riteish’s 10-year-old son, Rahyl Deshmukh, plays the younger version of Shivaji, showcasing key stages of the character’s life. The ensemble cast includes notable actors from both Hindi and Marathi cinema, such as Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan, Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji, and Fardeen Khan as Aurangzeb. Genelia Deshmukh plays Saibai, while Bhagyashree portrays Jijabai, with Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte also contributing to the cast. Salman Khan is featured in a cameo role.
The differences in runtime reflect a broader strategy for Raja Shivaji, with Riteish Deshmukh experimenting with pacing tailored to different language audiences. The Hindi cut is designed to be crisper, while the Marathi version allows for a more expansive narrative flow, anticipating greater interest from Marathi-speaking viewers. These editorial choices are evident in the promotional materials as well, with the Marathi trailer running for 3 minutes and 5 seconds to build context and emotion, while the Hindi promo is shorter at 2 minutes and 59 seconds, aligning with the leaner theatrical cut.
With its substantial budget, star-studded cast, and dual-language release, Raja Shivaji is poised to be one of the major Indian film releases of 2026, attracting significant attention from audiences across the country.
