Raja Shivaji Trailer Review: Riteish Deshmukh's Historical Epic Has an Unlikely Ace Up Its Sleeve[Breakdown]

"Riteish Deshmukh has spent over a decade building to this moment — and the Raja

Shivaji trailer suggests he's earned it. But the real weapon in this film's arsenal isn't

the star cast. It's the timing."

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED

The Hindi trailer for Raja Shivaji was released on April 20, 2026, at a grand event in Mumbai featuring the full cast. Directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the film releases onMay 1, 2026 — Maharashtra Day — a date chosen deliberately to honour Maratha heritage. The ensemble includes Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Fardeen Khan as Mughal rulers, Vidya Balan, Bhagyashree as Jijabai, and Genelia Deshmukh. A rumoured Salman Khan cameo remains unconfirmed.

THE INSIDER TAKE

After Chhaava's massive success earlier this year, historical Maratha epics have proven they can move tickets. Raja Shivaji is riding that wave — but where Chhaava leaned into raw emotion, Raja Shivaji's trailer leans into scale and spectacle. The trailer's redemption arc from a tepid teaser suggests post-production has been aggressive. Koimoi's review noted the 'Marathon' dialogue landed like a defining character moment — that's exactly the kind of meme-able hook period films need.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Releasing on Maharashtra Day positions this film as a cultural event, not just a multiplex release. Marathi-speaking audiences across Maharashtra, Goa, and the diaspora will treat it as a must-see. If the film delivers on its trailer's scale and Riteish's performance lands, it could be the kind of word-of-mouth juggernaut that sustained Chhaava for months.

WHAT FANS ARE MISSING

Riteish's real-life son Rahyl Deshmukh plays the young Shivaji Maharaj in the film — a detail largely buried in the coverage. That casting choice adds a genuine emotional dimension to the project that could become a talking point post-release.

■ QUICK FACTS

• Release Date: May 1, 2026 (Maharashtra Day)

• Director: Riteish Deshmukh

• Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Genelia Deshmukh

• Genre: Historical Epic / Period Drama

• Platform: TBA (India and International)

• Languages: Releasing in Hindi, Marathi, and other languages

FANS ALSO ASKED

Q: When does Raja Shivaji release?

A: May 1, 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day. The date was chosen intentionally to honour Maratha heritage.

Q: Who plays Shivaji Maharaj in Raja Shivaji?

A: Riteish Deshmukh, who also directed the film. His real-life son Rahyl plays the younger version of the character.

Q: Who is the villain in Raja Shivaji?

A: Sanjay Dutt plays Afzal Khan, the Bijapur general and historical antagonist to Shivaji Maharaj.

Q: Is Salman Khan in Raja Shivaji?

A: An unconfirmed cameo has been rumoured. The makers have neither confirmed nor denied it, keeping

speculation alive.