Raja Shivaji release date is set for theatrical premiere on 01 May 2026.

The film will arrive on Maharashtra Day, a deliberate and symbolic choice that ties the release directly to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Directed and headlined by Riteish Deshmukh, the film is designed as a large-scale theatrical experience, not an OTT-first drop.

And importantly, this isn’t a last-minute announcement. The date has been locked in for a while, reinforcing confidence in both production timelines and release strategy.

Quick Info About the Film

  • Title: Raja Shivaji
  • Release Date: May 1, 2026
  • Language: Marathi & Hindi (with dubbed versions)
  • Genre: Historical action drama
  • Director: Riteish Deshmukh
  • Production: Jio Studios & Mumbai Film Company
  • Music: Ajay-Atul
  • Scale: Pan-India theatrical release

Raja Shivaji Release Date

Raja Shivaji release date has been strategically locked for 01 May 2026, aligning the release with Maharashtra Day, making it culturally significant and emotionally resonant for audiences.

This timing isn’t random, it amplifies the film’s theme of Swarajya and legacy, turning the release into an event rather than just a premiere.

When and Where to Watch Raja Shivaji

  • Platform: Theatrical release first
  • Release Type: Pan-India cinematic rollout
  • Languages: Marathi, Hindi, and multiple dubbed versions

Expect wide distribution across multiplex chains and regional circuits, especially strong in Maharashtra and North India.

Raja Shivaji OTT Release Details

As of now, no official OTT release date has been announced.

However, given the backing of Jio Studios, the film is likely to stream on a major platform after its theatrical run,typically within 6-8 weeks post-release, depending on box office performance.

This delay signals confidence: the makers are clearly prioritising the theatrical experience.

Raja Shivaji Cast

This isn’t just a lead-driven film, it’s a full-blown ensemble.

  • Riteish Deshmukh 
  • Sanjay Dutt 
  • Abhishek Bachchan 
  • Vidya Balan
  • Genelia Deshmukh
  • Mahesh Manjrekar
  • Fardeen Khan
  • Bhagyashree
  • Boman Irani

Raja Shivaji Story / Plot

Raja Shivaji isn’t treating the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj like a checklist of victories, it zeroes in on the making of the man behind the legend, focusing on defining moments that shaped his idea of Swarajya rather than just glorifying the end result.

What Stands Out

What sets Raja Shivaji apart is its focus on the idea before the empire, exploring how Swarajya was imagined in a time of fear and control, not just celebrating its success.

The emotional core comes from Jijabai’s influence, shaping Shivaji’s values and decisions throughout his journey. At the same time, the film prioritises strategy over scale, highlighting guerrilla warfare, planning, and mind games rather than just grand battle sequences.

It also leans into the weight of leadership, where victories come with consequences, strained relationships, difficult choices, and growing isolation. All of this is tied together through a human lens, presenting Shivaji as a thoughtful leader, not just a larger-than-life warrior.

Raja Shivaji Movie

Raja Shivaji Trailer

Raja Shivaji trailer landed with strong online buzz, and its impact is immediate. Visually, it leans into scale, fortresses, grounded battle setups, and detailed costumes that feel authentic rather than flashy. But what really holds attention is the emotional tonality. Riteish Deshmukh’s Shivaji is not distant or larger-than-life; the trailer shows glimpses of doubt, resolve, and the weight of leadership, giving the character a more human edge.

Narratively, it hints at a journey shaped by vision, not just war. The opening moments set up a young Shivaji observing political unrest, building towards the idea of Swarajya. There’s a clear focus on purpose over power, with key characters like Genelia Deshmukh and Vidya Balan adding emotional depth, while Sanjay Dutt brings tension as opposing force. The action is present but measured, with the trailer pausing on moments of sacrifice and responsibility, suggesting the film aims for depth alongside scale.

About Raja Shivaji and the Inspiration Behind the Film

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a historical figure, he’s a symbol of resilience, governance, and cultural pride.

What makes this film particularly interesting is Riteish Deshmukh’s long-standing personal connection to the subject. He has openly shared that this project has been in the making for over a decade.

That context matters.

This isn’t a trend-driven historical, it feels like a filmmaker finally telling a story he’s been carrying for years. That emotional investment reflects strongly in the trailer’s tone.

What to Expect from the Film

Raja Shivaji doesn’t play it safe, it leans into scale, but with intent. The film blends scale with storytelling in a way that feels deliberate rather than overwhelming, aiming to create moments that stay with you beyond the visuals.

  • Battles with purpose: War sequences are built around strategy and tension, not just scale, each one feels like a turning point.
  • Emotion at the core: The story keeps returning to the cost of power, where victories feel earned and decisions carry weight.
  • Music that elevates, not dominates: Ajay-Atul’s score adds intensity without taking over the scene.
  • Rooted yet expansive: The film stays grounded in its cultural context while aiming for a wider, pan-India connection.

Early reactions calling it a “visual spectacle” are accurate but what might truly stand out is how it balances grandeur with restraint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Raja Shivaji release date?
May 1, 2026.

2. Is Raja Shivaji releasing in theatres or OTT?
Theatrical release first.

3. When will Raja Shivaji release on OTT?
Not announced yet.

4. Who is playing Shivaji Maharaj in Raja Shivaji?
Riteish Deshmukh

5. Is Raja Shivaji a pan-India film?
Yes, multiple languages.

6. Who directed Raja Shivaji?
Riteish Deshmukh

7. Is Salman Khan in Raja Shivaji?
Yes, a cameo appearance.

8. What languages will it release in?
Marathi, Hindi + dubbed versions.

9. Is the film controversial?
Some trailer scenes sparked debate.

10. What is the runtime of Raja Shivaji?
Not officially confirmed yet.

Final Word

With its release date now officially locked, Raja Shivaji is set to arrive in theatres on 01 May 2026, marking a strategically timed launch on Maharashtra Day. The announcement not only confirms the timeline but also positions the film as a culturally significant theatrical event.

For now, all eyes are on how the film shapes up in the weeks leading to release but one thing is clear: if you’ve been waiting for an update, the wait finally has a date.