Raja Shivaji (2026) Review: A Marathi Epic Built on Scale

This Raja Shivaji review starts with the scale of the project. Riteish Deshmukh directs and plays the title role in a big-budget biopic of the Maratha king, released in Marathi and Hindi. It is an ambitious swing, and it largely lands as a sincere tribute rather than a subtle study.

The film arrived in Indian cinemas on 1 May 2026 and runs about three hours, so it asks for real patience.

Raja Shivaji Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Raja Shivaji plot covers the early life and rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th-century leader who founded the Maratha Empire. The film presents a young man who stands up to powerful rivals and slowly earns a crown. It is a biography first, with the machinery of an action epic built around it.

The story leans on well-known historical figures, including Shivaji's father Shahaji Raje Bhosale and the adversary Afzal Khan. Viewers who know the legend will recognise the broad shape. Newcomers should still follow it easily, since the film sets up its characters clearly.

What Works in Raja Shivaji

The ambition stands out. The production reportedly cost around ₹75 crore, and the scale shows in its period world and crowd-heavy set pieces. For fans of action movie reviews, the battle-driven spectacle is the main draw.

Riteish Deshmukh also brings clear passion as both director and lead. His approach treats Shivaji with reverence, and that conviction gives the film a steady emotional core. The stakes feel personal, not just historical.

A Film With Real Audience Pull

According to Wikipedia, the film earned about ₹130 crore, and Riteish Deshmukh's entry calls it the highest-grossing Marathi film of all time. That tells you it connected with a large audience, even where critics were divided.

Raja Shivaji Cast and Performances

The Raja Shivaji cast is stacked with recognisable names. Deshmukh plays Shivaji Maharaj, and Genelia Deshmukh appears as Saibai. Sanjay Dutt takes on Afzal Khan, Abhishek Bachchan plays Sambhaji Shahaji Maharaj, Vidya Balan is Badi Begum, and Sachin Khedekar plays Shahaji Raje Bhosale.

That lineup gives the film star power across both its Marathi and Hindi audiences. Dutt's casting as a formidable antagonist is an obvious strength on paper, and the ensemble gives the supporting roles weight. IMDb also lists Salman Khan in a role, but that is not confirmed elsewhere, so treat it with caution.

Where Raja Shivaji Stumbles

Reports describe mixed reactions from critics and audiences, and the length is an easy target. At roughly 187 minutes in Hindi and 195 in Marathi, the film demands stamina. Stories this large can sag between big moments.

There is also the familiar problem of the reverent biopic. When a film wants to honour its subject, it can flatten him into a symbol. Viewers hoping for a layered, questioning portrait may find the tone more celebratory than probing.

• Long running time that tests pacing

• Reverent tone with limited nuance

• Crowded ensemble where some roles feel brief

Is Raja Shivaji Worth Watching?

Yes, if you enjoy large-scale historical epics and want a heartfelt tribute to Shivaji Maharaj. The film delivers spectacle, a committed lead performance and a strong cast. It is less convincing as a tightly paced drama.

If you like this kind of storytelling, you might also enjoy other history movie reviews on our site. For a very different kind of action, see our take on One Last Shot. You can read more background on the Raja Shivaji Wikipedia page).

Who Will Enjoy Raja Shivaji

• Fans of Indian historical epics and Maratha history

• Viewers who like Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt or Abhishek Bachchan

• Audiences who enjoy long, spectacle-driven action dramas