Actor Riteish Deshmukh unveils the first look of his directorial epic ‘Raja Shivaji’ on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary. Read more here.
Actor-director Riteish Deshmukh unveiled the official poster for his ambitious historical epic ‘Raja Shivaji’ to mark the birth anniversary of the Maratha empire founder.
The multilingual film, directed by Deshmukh, aims to chronicle the legendary ruler’s journey with a massive production scale and background score by Ajay-Atul.
On the auspicious occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, celebrated globally as Shivaji Jayanti, National Award-winning actor Riteish Deshmukh sparked immense excitement by unveiling the first poster of his upcoming directorial venture, ‘Raja Shivaji.’ Deshmukh, who will also portray the titular role of the legendary Maratha warrior king, shared the visual on social media, garnering millions of impressions within hours. Produced under the banners of Mumbai Film Company and Jio Studios, the film is set to be a massive cinematic tribute. This announcement follows the massive success of Deshmukh’s previous directorial debut, ‘Ved,’ signaling his transition into large-scale historical storytelling.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remains one of the most revered figures in Indian history, known for his administrative brilliance and innovative military tactics. While Indian cinema has explored his life several times, notably in recent Marathi hits like the ‘Pawankhind’ series, Riteish Deshmukh’s ‘Raja Shivaji’ is being positioned as a definitive Pan-India biopic. Historically, Deshmukh has been vocal about his passion for this project, which has been in the research and development phase for several years. The collaboration with music duo Ajay-Atul—who are renowned for their high-energy, soul-stirring Marathi compositions—adds a layer of cultural authenticity and grandeur that fans have come to expect from a production of this magnitude.
The Director/Actor (Riteish Deshmukh): “In the annals of history, there emerged a figure who wasn’t just a king but an emotion. On this Shivaji Jayanti, I seek your blessings as we embark on this journey to bring the story of the rebel king to the silver screen,” Deshmukh shared during the poster launch.
Production Partner (Jio Studios): A senior executive from Jio Studios noted, “Our goal is to back stories that resonate with the soil of India. ‘Raja Shivaji’ is not just a film; it’s a cultural milestone that deserves a world-class cinematic experience.”
Expert Film Critic: “The trend of historical epics in India is at its peak. Riteish Deshmukh has already proven his mettle as a director who understands the pulse of the Marathi audience,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh. “By making this a multilingual project, he is aiming for the same pan-India success seen by ‘Baahubali’ or ‘RRR.'”
Fan Perspective: Social media was flooded with reactions from the ‘Mavala’ (warrior) community and cinema lovers, with one top comment reading: “Finally, a big-budget portrayal that matches the stature of Maharaj. The poster itself gives us goosebumps.”
The release of the poster on February 19, 2026, perfectly synchronized with state-wide celebrations in Maharashtra, creating a “viral” marketing moment. In cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, the poster was shared on giant LED screens during Jayanti processions, bridging the gap between historical reverence and modern entertainment. The film is expected to significantly boost the Marathi film industry’s profile, encouraging more high-budget historical dramas. Industry insiders suggest that the production has already generated hundreds of local jobs in set design and costume departments, emphasizing the economic ripple effect of such “mega-films.”
From a cinematic standpoint, the “Raja Shivaji” project represents a shift in how regional stories are told to a global audience. The use of high-end VFX and the involvement of top-tier technicians suggest that Deshmukh is moving away from the “regional” tag to create a “Global Indian” product.
The decision to release the poster on the birth anniversary is a textbook example of “event marketing,” ensuring that the film enters the public consciousness at a time when emotional and patriotic sentiment is at its highest. If the screenplay matches the visual ambition, this could become the highest-grossing Marathi film in history.
