Raja Shivaji (Marathi) has taken a bumper opening today, with the film getting 60-65 percent viewership in the morning and afternoon shows. Today is a big holiday of Labor Day and Maharashtra Day, however despite this the film would have taken a good start. There is also a Hindi version of the film, which has a lower opening, but the real action takes place in the original Marathi version in the state of Maharashtra. If the reception remains strong, the Hindi version may pick up momentum, as was seen with Tanhaji and Chhaava.
Tanhaji and Chaava are two major blockbusters of recent times based on the figures of Maratha Empire. While he posted big numbers nationally, it was Maharashtra where he delivered historic figures. His starts outside Maharashtra ranged from low to good, while Maharashtra itself ranged from excellent to excellent. Since they were Hindi films, despite the box office being heavily imbalanced regionally, the overall India total was still large and was read as such. Since Raja Shivaji is made in Marathi, the language of the Maratha Empire, it will be seen as a regional film even though its box office dynamics will be similar for both the films.
Raja Shivaji should open around Rs. 15 crores, possibly more depending on how the day progresses. Almost all of them will come from the Marathi version in the state of Maharashtra. The biggest opening day in Maharashtra was of Dhurandhar 2, which earned Rs. 20 crores, which is mostly out of reach due to the difference in ticket price. The next best are Pushpa 2 and Chhava, which are priced at Rs. is more than. 15 crores; These can be done.
Outside Maharashtra, the southern circuit has a better start, with Bengaluru and Hyderabad well ahead of Delhi city. Morning Hindi Edition looks like it will cost around Rs. 2 crore nett.
