Name: Raja Shivaji
Director: Ritesh Vilasrao Deshmukh
Cast: Ritesh Vilasrao Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sachin Khedekar, Sanjay Dutt, Genelia Deshmukh, Bhagyashree
Author: Ritesh Vilasrao Deshmukh
Rating: 4/5
plot
Raja Shivaji narrates the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, played by Ritesh Vilasrao Deshmukh, not just as a fearless warrior but as a visionary leader who dreamed of Swarajya (independence), self-rule for his people. Set in the early 1600s, the film depicts their constant fight against the Mughals, Nizams and the Adilshahi Sultanate, including their responsibility to protect their land, people and identity.
Raised under the values and keen guidance of Jijabai (Bhagyashree), Shivaji grew into a ruler who believes that intelligence is greater than brute strength, ‘Shaktipeksha Yukti Shrestha.’ The film beautifully depicts his journey from a dreamy young king to a mighty Maratha warrior who reshaped history. Along with his political struggles, the story also explores his emotional relationships with his father Shahji Raje Bhosale (Sachin Khedekar), brother Sambhaji Raje Bhosale (Abhishek Bachchan), wife Saibai (Genelia Deshmukh) and his trusted aides like Kanhoji Jedhe and Gopinath Pant.
The narrative moves rapidly towards one of the most decisive moments, the confrontation with Afzal Khan, where strategy triumphs over sheer power, leaving behind one of the most iconic chapters of Maratha history.
what works
The film’s strongest pillar is its emotional honesty. The ship’s captain, Ritesh Vilasrao Deshmukh, treats the story of Shivaji Maharaj with palpable respect and restraint, never letting the spectacle overpower the emotions. The storytelling style is solid and that honesty shines through in every frame.
Ajay-Atul’s background score and music enhance the emotional beats beautifully. Whenever ‘Jai Bhavani’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ are heard in theaters, it is natural to get goosebumps. The production design and costumes successfully transport you to the early 1600s, making the world believable and immersive.
What stands out is that though the film focuses on the bravery and valor of Shivaji Maharaj, it does not reduce others to mere supporting shadows. Characters like Shahaji Raje, Sambhaji Raje, Jijabai, Saibai and Kanhoji Jedhe have been given space to breathe, making the world rich and emotionally rich.
The script keeps you engaged, and the dialogues evoke a sense of pride and patriotism without being forced.
what is not
The visual effects could have been more intense. Considering today’s global cinematic standards, some of the VFX portions look average and sometimes take you out of the experience.
Watch the trailer of Raja Shivaji here:
Riteish Deshmukh as Shivaji Raje Bhosal gives one of the most powerful performances of his career. He brings composure, intelligence, softness and calculating strength to the role. His portrayal understands that true power often lies in silence and strategy rather than blatant heroism. While some scenes seem to lack a larger-than-life aura, perhaps only Maharaj can fill that void. Despite knowing that it is Ritesh, there are moments when you actually see Shivaji Maharaj.
Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Raje Bhosale is a beautiful surprise. Her relationship with Riteish possesses warmth and emotional depth, making their sibling relationship one of the strongest emotional anchors of the film. His character seems perfect, and once again, Abhishek has proved that he can fit into any role with ease.
Sachin Khedekar as Shahji Raje Bhosale is the epitome of pride and unbreakable strength as a warrior and a father. Dignity, discipline and emotional restraint come through with great effect in his performance.
Genelia Deshmukh as Saibai brings softness and warmth to the screen. She’s gentle, supportive, and quietly strong, which is perfect for the emotional balance the film requires.
Bhagyashree as Jijabai provides immense emotional strength. She represents the motherly spirit that shaped the warriors, and her restrained yet powerful performance leaves a lasting impression.
Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan is commanding and dangerous. His screen presence is powerful, and whenever he appears, the tension immediately increases.
final call
If you want to really experience this movie, watch it in Marathi, if you understand the language. If not, rely on subtitles as some emotions lose their depth in translation.
Some films should not be judged solely as cinema. They are meant to be felt. Raja Shivaji is one of them.
Watching this film brought back the smell of old history textbooks, the colorful pictures of kings and the quiet pride that filled one’s chest in childhood. They fought selflessly for us for generations they will never meet.
The question is, are we preserving those values today? Are we really giving importance to the Swarajya they fought for?
