In a poignant moment that captivated the media, actor Genelia Deshmukh was moved to tears at the Mumbai trailer launch of the historical epic, Raja Shivaji. Standing by her husband, Riteish Deshmukh, who both stars in and directs the film, Genelia was seen visibly overwhelmed by his heartfelt tribute to the legendary Maratha warrior-king.

A passion project for the Deshmukhs

During the event, Riteish spoke candidly about his profound devotion to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, describing the film as a lifelong dream rather than a mere cinematic venture. Addressing the media, he acknowledged the immense responsibility of portraying such a revered figure:

“Even if there are millions of films in this world, nobody can make a single film about Maharaj that will do complete justice to him. His name and the love people have for him are much more important than our actions. We can only make an honest effort.”

The actor-director emphasized that while dreaming is easy, the journey to bring this narrative to life required unwavering self-confidence and collective team effort. He concluded by dedicating the film "at the feet of Maharaj" as a humble tribute.

An ensemble cast for a historical epic

Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Mumbai Film Company, Raja Shivaji is being hailed as a visual masterpiece that explores the birth of Swarajya. The film boasts a staggering ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Boman Irani, Jitendra Joshi, Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh.

The historical foundation

The narrative is rooted in key historical milestones, including Shivaji Maharaj’s 1663 raid on Mughal general Shaista Khan in Pune and the significant 1664 sack of the port city of Surat. These events are portrayed as pivotal moments that challenged the Mughal Empire and established the foundation of the Maratha Empire.

Release information

Produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh, the film is positioned as a major pan-Indian release. Raja Shivaji is slated to hit cinemas worldwide on 1 May 2026, with versions in Marathi, Hindi, and Telugu. (IANS)