Riteish Deshmukh wraps Raja Shivaji shoot, film set for worldwide release on May 1, 2026

Riteish Deshmukh wraps Raja Shivaji shoot, film set for worldwide release on May 1, 2026

The shooting of Marathi cinema’s biggest and most ambitious film, Raja Shivaji, has officially wrapped, marking a major milestone for the much-anticipated historical epic. Directed by Riteish Deshmukh and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banners of Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, the film chronicles the extraordinary life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The multilingual action drama is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2026.

Announcing the wrap, Riteish Deshmukh shared a striking image from the sets on social media, accompanied by a poetic caption that hinted at both closure and anticipation. The post quickly drew attention from fans and industry peers alike, reflecting the scale of emotion and effort invested in the project over the past year.

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A post shared by Riteish Deshmukh (@riteishd)

Shot extensively over nearly twelve months, Raja Shivaji was filmed across several historically rich and visually stunning locations including Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Satara, Mumbai, and surrounding regions. To recreate 16th-century Maharashtra with authenticity, the makers erected massive sets that stood for over six months. Several iconic forts were scanned, researched, and meticulously reconstructed, ensuring historical accuracy and visual depth. The production design aims to transport audiences directly into the heart of the Maratha Empire.

The film promises never-before-seen action sequences and a deeply immersive, VFX-driven cinematic experience, setting a new technical benchmark for Marathi cinema. With its ambitious scale and storytelling vision, Raja Shivaji is widely expected to reshape the future of the regional film industry. The project has now moved into the post-production phase.

Adding to the film’s gravitas is its acclaimed creative team. Music is composed by the celebrated duo Ajay–Atul, while cinematography is handled by Santosh Sivan, marking his debut in Marathi cinema. Their involvement signals a strong blend of emotional resonance and visual grandeur.

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The film boasts a powerhouse ensemble cast featuring Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh, and Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh, along with several surprise appearances reserved for the big screen.

Set against a backdrop of clashing empires and rising rebellion, Raja Shivaji traces the journey of a young Shivaji who defied formidable forces to establish Swarajya. Following Jio Studios’ Dhurandhar, the film is positioned as another industry-defining spectacle, carrying both cinematic ambition and cultural responsibility.