Raja Shivaji Release Date Announced: Riteish Deshmukh’s Epic Saga Arrives Soon
When Riteish Deshmukh announced a grand historical film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the expectations in Maharashtra were sky-high. The wait is now over — and Raja Shivaji has not just met those expectations but shattered records at the Marathi movie box office. Released on May 1, 2026, the film is already being called the biggest event in Marathi cinema history.
Raja Shivaji release date and budget at a glance
The Raja Shivaji release date was May 1, 2026 — a fitting choice, given the cultural importance of the subject. Produced by Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, the film carries an estimated Raja Shivaji budget of Rs 100 crore, making it the most expensive Marathi film ever made. That staggering investment appears to be paying off in style.
| ₹100 Cr Production budget | May 1, 2026 Release date | 195 min Runtime (Marathi) |
Day 1 box office collection — history made on opening day
Raja Shivaji opened across 6,192 shows on its first day. The film earned a combined net collection of approximately Rs 11.35 crore on Day 1, with the Marathi version alone pulling in Rs 8 crore and the Hindi dubbed version contributing Rs 3.35 crore. This is the biggest opening day ever recorded for a Marathi film, surpassing the long-standing records of Sairat and Timepass 2.
The advance booking alone had already crossed Rs 5.14 crore gross before a single show played — a historic figure that set the tone for everything that followed at the Marathi movie box office.
Day 2 box office collection — the Rs 15 crore milestone
On its first Saturday (Day 2), Raja Shivaji collected approximately Rs 10.55 crore across 6,275 shows. The Marathi version brought in Rs 7.15 crore and the Hindi version added Rs 3.40 crore. The cumulative two-day India gross stood at Rs 26.06 crore, with India net collections reaching Rs 21.90 crore — comfortably past the Rs 15 crore net mark being celebrated by fans and trade analysts alike.
| Day 1 — Friday | ₹11.35 Cr India net | 6,192 shows |
| Day 2 — Saturday | ₹10.55 Cr India net | 6,275 shows |
Morning occupancy on Day 2 was recorded at an impressive 30.57% across the Marathi belt — a strong figure for a working Saturday. Trade observers noted this comfortably outpaced every other Indian release of the same weekend, including Mohanlal and Mammootty’s Patriot (25.92% morning occupancy) and Akshay Kumar’s Bhooth Bangla (13.85%).
Audience reactions — a thunderous reception
Inside cinemas across Maharashtra, the response has been nothing short of electric. Viewers have called it a proud, emotional experience. The battle sequences, which depict key events like the capture of forts Torna, Kandhara, and Purandar, have generated rousing applause in packed halls.
The biggest talking point on social media right now is Salman Khan’s cameo. As soon as he appears on screen, audiences erupt — the reaction in theatres has been described as spine-tingling and unforgettable. The word-of-mouth fuelling the Raja Shivaji box office collection is unusually strong, even by blockbuster standards.
- Salman Khan’s cameo — the most talked-about moment across social media and in theatres
- Battle sequences — widely described as a first for Marathi cinema in terms of scale and authenticity
- Ajay-Atul’s music — praised by fans as the emotional backbone of the film
- Santosh Sivan’s cinematography — garnering particular appreciation for capturing the Sahyadri landscape
Critic reviews — what the press is saying
The Raja Shivaji review consensus from critics is largely positive, though some concerns have been raised about the film’s length and editing. Here is a quick look at what prominent voices are saying:
Taran Adarsh — 4.5 stars
Called it a “power-packed” effort and praised Riteish Deshmukh’s direction as a magnificent tribute to one of India’s greatest warrior kings.
Cinetales (Praneet Samaiya) — 4 stars
Described it as a visually rich historical epic with strong performances, noting the film highlights Shivaji Maharaj’s intelligence and planning rather than relying solely on battles. Flagged that the runtime feels stretched and editing could be tighter.
Film Information — Mixed verdict
Praised Riteish Deshmukh’s direction and called Santosh Sivan’s cinematography extraordinary. However, noted that the Hindi dubbed version lacks broad all-India appeal for a historical drama and that editing needed sharper work.
The overall critical picture: visually grand and emotionally resonant for Marathi audiences, with Riteish Deshmukh’s sincerity and devotion to the subject clearly evident — but the 195-minute runtime and uneven pace keep it from being a flawless cinematic experience.
About the Raja Shivaji trailer and cast
The Raja Shivaji trailer had already built enormous anticipation, showcasing grand battle sequences, sweeping Sahyadri vistas, and the emotional weight of Shivaji’s journey toward Hindavi Swarajya. The trailer made clear from the outset that this was a production of unprecedented scale for Marathi cinema.
The ensemble cast reads like a who’s-who of Indian film: Riteish Deshmukh (also directing) as Shivaji Raje, Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan, Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Raje, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Bhagyashree, Sachin Khedekar, Amol Gupte, and Salman Khan in a special appearance.
How Raja Shivaji compares with other Marathi films
To put the Raja Shivaji box office collection in perspective, here is how it stacks up against other landmark Marathi films at the domestic box office:
| Film | Opening day (net) | Total (India net) |
|---|---|---|
| Raja Shivaji (2026) | ~₹11.35 Cr | ₹21.90 Cr (2 days) |
| Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam (2026) | — | ₹28+ Cr (lifetime) |
| Baipan Bhari Deva (2023) | ~₹1.8 Cr | ₹12.40 Cr (opening week) |
| Sairat (2016) | ~₹3.60 Cr | ₹100+ Cr (lifetime) |
| Aga Aga Sunbai! Kay Mhantay Sasubai? (2026) | — | ₹8.97 Cr (total) |
Raja Shivaji has already become the second-highest grossing Marathi film of 2026 in just two days, and it is on course to challenge the lifetime collection of Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam very shortly. It also secured a spot as the fourth-biggest opener of 2026 across all Indian languages — a remarkable achievement for a regional historical drama.
Conclusion
The Raja Shivaji box office collection is a story about more than numbers. It represents a moment of arrival for Marathi cinema on the national stage. Riteish Deshmukh — actor, director, and passionate advocate for his culture — has channelled years of preparation into a film that has moved audiences to tears and applause in equal measure. Whether measured by advance bookings, opening day figures, Day 2 collections, or sheer cultural impact, Raja Shivaji stands as a milestone in the history of Marathi movies.
With strong word-of-mouth, packed weekend shows ahead, and growing awareness of the Hindi version, the film is positioned to add many more crores to its tally. The story of Hindavi Swarajya is still being written — and so is this box office saga.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the Raja Shivaji box office collection on Day 2?
Raja Shivaji collected approximately Rs 10.55 crore net on Day 2 (Saturday), taking the two-day India net total to Rs 21.90 crore.
What is the Raja Shivaji budget?
The Raja Shivaji budget is approximately Rs 100 crore, making it the most expensive Marathi film ever produced.
What is the Raja Shivaji release date?
Raja Shivaji released on May 1, 2026, in both Marathi and Hindi versions simultaneously.
How is the Raja Shivaji review from critics?
Critics have largely praised the film’s visuals, music, and Riteish Deshmukh’s direction. Taran Adarsh awarded it 4.5 stars. The main criticism is directed at the film’s lengthy runtime (195 minutes) and uneven editing.
Where can I watch the Raja Shivaji trailer?
The official Raja Shivaji trailer is available on the Jio Studios YouTube channel and other major streaming platforms.
Is Raja Shivaji a hit at the Marathi movie box office?
Yes — with the biggest opening day ever for Marathi cinema and a two-day India net collection of Rs 21.90 crore, Raja Shivaji is comfortably tracking as a blockbuster at the Marathi movie box office.
Who is in the cast of Raja Shivaji?
The film stars Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Bhagyashree, Sachin Khedekar, Amol Gupte, and Salman Khan in a special appearance.
