Raja Shivaji continues Jio Studios’ three-year blockbuster run, redefining box office dynamics and cementing its status as a powerhouse! Jio Studios has consolidated its position as a leading force in the Indian film industry, backed by a steady run of theatrical successes and a well-diversified content strategy. After delivering the biggest box office performers three consecutive years, Stree 2 (2024), Dhurandhar (2025) and Dhurandhar The Revenge (2026), the studio has now struck gold yet again with Raja Shivaji, which has recorded the biggest opening weekend ever for a Marathi film. Released amid strong anticipation, the historical epic opened to record-breaking numbers, setting a new benchmark for Marathi cinema. Directed by Riteish Deshmukh, the film presents the early life journey of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, bringing to screen a story that combines historical depth with mainstream cinematic appeal. What sets Jio Studios apart is its ability to back a wide spectrum of stories without being bound by a fixed formula or even a language framework. The studio has consistently scaled promising scripts into large theatrical events be it a horror-comedy like Stree 2, an action-packed spy thriller like Dhurandhar, or a historical epic like Raja Shivaji, mounted as a bilingual film. Alongside these big-ticket entertainers, Jio Studios has also supported content-driven successes such as Article 370, Laapataa Ladies, and Shaitaan, among others. This diversified slate of films... #box_office #Raja_Shivaji #Shivaji #Studios’_three-year #Jio_Studios’ #three-year_blockbuster #Shivaji_continues #continues_Jio #blockbuster_run #redefining_box
Bombay High Court dismisses PIL seeking change in Raja Shivaji’s title The Bombay High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought a stay on the theatrical release of the Marathi-Hindi bilingual film Raja Shivaji, clearing the way for the movie’s scheduled release on May 1, 2026. The petition had objected to the omission of the honorific “Chhatrapati” from the film’s title and claimed it was disrespectful to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The plea was filed by NGO Sree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Foundation, which argued that leaving out the title “Chhatrapati” hurt the sentiments of followers of the iconic Maratha ruler. The petitioner requested the court to direct the makers to rename the film Chhatrapati Raja Shivaji and also sought restrictions on the release, screening, and public exhibition of the movie until changes were made. A division bench led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad rejected the petition, observing that the matter did not involve any real public cause. The court also noted the timing of the plea, pointing out that it was filed only two days before the film’s release. According to the bench, there was nothing in the title Raja Shivaji that could be considered insulting or derogatory to the status of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The judges stated that the petition appeared to be motivated rather than filed in genuine public interest. The respondents in the case included the Union of India... #High_Court #Shivaji_Maharaj #Chhatrapati_Shivaji #Bombay_High #Raja_Shivaji #Shivaji #PIL_seeking #dismisses_PIL #Chhatrapati #Chhatrapati_Raja
EXCLUSIVE: Raja Shivaji to release with different runtimes in Hindi and Marathi; Hindi version shorter by 8 minutes Raja Shivaji, which is set to release on May 1, will be available in two versions – Marathi and Hindi. Usually, films released in more than one version have the same runtime, with language being the only difference. But Raja Shivaji will be an exception. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the Hindi version will be shorter than the Marathi version. The Hindi version of Raja Shivaji was passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a U/A 16+ certificate on April 28. The length of the film, as mentioned on the certificate, is 187. 05 minutes. In other words, Raja Shivaji is 3 hours, 7 minutes and 5 seconds long. No changes were asked by the CBFC as all modifications were already done for the Marathi version. The only suggestion was that the names of chapters, dates, events and locations be mentioned in Hindi. On April 25, Bollywood Hungama was the first to inform readers that Raja Shivaji's Marathi version received the censor certificate on April 24. As per the certificate, its runtime is 195. 05 minutes, which is 3 hours 15 minutes and 5 seconds. In other words, the Hindi version is shorter by exactly 8 minutes. An industry insider commented, “Usually, two versions of a film have the exact same duration. However, Riteish Deshmukh has tried a novel experiment and kept the narrative crisp for the Hindi audience. Meanwhile, for ... #minutes #version #Marathi #Hindi #Raja_Shivaji #Shivaji #Hindi_version #Raja #Marathi_version #Shivaji_Marathi
Raja Shivaji sells 40,000 tickets in advance booking; Pune goes on overdrive as 7:00 am shows open due to huge demand Two days ago, Bollywood Hungama reported that the ticket sales of The Devil Wears Prada 2 were very encouraging. Raja Shivaji releases on the same day as the Hollywood comedy drama and this film, too, seems all set for a flying start, especially in its Marathi version. According to data accessed by Bollywood Hungama, Raja Shivaji had sold more than 40,000 tickets as of 8:00 am on April 29. By 4:30 pm on April 28, PVR Inox sold 9,800 tickets for the historical entertainer’s Marathi version. Cinepolis sold 3,000 tickets, MovieMax saw sales of 2,400, while Miraj Cinemas sold more than 4,100 tickets. The Marathi version has far more appeal due to its local flavour, ensemble cast, and the correct release period. Raja Shivaji releases on May 1, which is Maharashtra Day. Hence, the film will enjoy a three-day weekend in the state. Several films have been made on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Marathi, but Raja Shivaji seems like the grandest of them all. This has further encouraged audiences to buy tickets. A look at the ticketing websites indicates that several shows in Maharashtra are fast-filling. Mumbai is performing very well, but the surprise is Pune, where Raja Shivaji is on an overdrive. Several theatres in this city will play the film from 7:00 am, looking at the demand. Some Mumbai cinemas have also followed suit, although they are yet to catch up... #Bollywood_Hungama #advance_booking #Hungama_reported #Raja_Shivaji #Shivaji #Wears_Prada #Devil_Wears #Raja #Marathi_version #Shivaji_sells
Riteish Deshmukh SLAMS Bageshwar Baba over Shivaji Maharaj comment: “Unacceptable and infuriating” Actor Riteish Deshmukh has strongly reacted to controversial remarks made by spiritual leader Bageshwar Baba about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The statement triggered backlash online, with many expressing anger over the portrayal of the revered Maratha warrior king. Riteish, who is set to portray Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his upcoming historical film Raja Shivaji, also joined the criticism and shared a powerful response on social media. The controversy began after Bageshwar Baba claimed in a speech that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had grown tired of fighting wars and once placed his crown before Ramdas Swami, asking him to take charge of the kingdom while he rested. The remarks were widely criticised by many who felt they misrepresented history and undermined Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. Responding to the issue, Riteish took to X, formerly Twitter, and posted a message in Marathi. Expressing his views as a devotee and admirer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the actor strongly objected to what he described as distorted statements. Translated into English, Riteish wrote that when someone spreads false and twisted claims about a beloved figure like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it is unacceptable and deeply angering for every Shiv-bhakt and Shiv-premi. He added that attempts to diminish such a towering legacy would never succeed. He further stated that just as the Sahyadri m... #Maharaj #Shivaji_Maharaj #Chhatrapati_Shivaji #Riteish_Deshmukh #Deshmukh #Shivaji #Deshmukh_SLAMS #Bageshwar_Baba #SLAMS_Bageshwar #Maharaj_comment
EXCLUSIVE: Raja Shivaji’s trailer to be launched in a GRAND event on April 20 in the presence of cast and crew Jio Studios had a rocking start to 2026 with the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar The Revenge. They are now geared up for their next big outing, Raja Shivaji. The film releases two weeks from now and Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the trailer will be unveiled in a grand fashion in a few days. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The trailer of Raja Shivaji will be launched in a grand fashion at Jio World Drive, BKC, Mumbai. The entire star cast will be present, that is, Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Fardeen Khan, Bhagyashree, Sachin Khedekar and others. Hence, this star-studded event will be one of the biggest of the year. ”The source further said, “Ace music director duo Ajay-Atul and producer Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios will also be in attendance. The team will unveil not just the Hindi but also the Marathi version trailers of Raja Shivaji. ”The source continued, “The Raja Shivaji anthem ‘Chhatrapati’ was launched a few days ago and it has already got noticed. The team of the film is confident that the buzz for Raja Shivaji will enhance considerably once the trailer is out. ”Raja Shivaji is based on one of India's greatest warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It releases on May 1 in Hindi, Marathi and Telugu. Presented by Jio Studios, Raja Shivaji, a Mumbai Film Compa... #EXCLUSIVE #Bollywood_Hungama #Jio_Studios #Raja_Shivaji #Shivaji #Jio #blockbuster_success #Raja #rocking_start #crew_Jio
Asha Bhosle accorded full state honours as last rites will take place at Shivaji Park in Mumbai The last rites of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle are currently underway at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, where the iconic artist is being accorded full state honours. The solemn ceremony has drawn a large gathering of political leaders, members of the film fraternity, and countless admirers who have assembled to bid a final farewell to one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated voices. Earlier in the day, her mortal remains were kept at her residence in Lower Parel, allowing the public to pay their last respects. Since morning, fans and well-wishers have been arriving in large numbers, reflecting the immense impact she had across generations of music lovers. Prominent leaders including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited to offer floral tributes, alongside State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar and legislators Sunil Shinde and Prasad Lad. The state funeral honours underscore the cultural significance of Asha Bhosle’s unparalleled contribution to Indian music. Members of the film industry, spanning veterans of the 1990s to younger artists, have also been present at the ceremony, paying homage to the singer whose voice defined countless eras of Bollywood music. Known for her extraordinary versatility, Asha Bhosle’s repertoire ranged from classical and folk to cabaret and contemporary hits, making her one of the most dynamic playback singers in the hist... #Mumbai #Park #full #Shivaji #Asha_Bhosle #Bhosle #Shivaji_Park #accorded_full #full_state #Bhosle_accorded
Raja Shivaji teaser drops online after theatrical preview with Dhurandhar The Revenge Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company have unveiled the much-anticipated first look teaser of Raja Shivaji. After generating tremendous excitement during its exclusive theatrical preview alongside Dhurandhar The Revenge, the first look now makes its digital debut, amplifying the buzz around a film that promises to redefine the legend of one of India’s greatest warrior kings. Positioned as a first-of-its-kind cinematic endeavour, Raja Shivaji brings to life the extraordinary legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on a scale rarely seen before in Marathi cinema, mounted as a truly pan-India spectacle. With Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh leading both in front of and behind the camera, the film blends visual grandeur with a deeply emotional and inspiring narrative rooted in the birth of Swarajya. At its core is a powerful story of vision, courage, and conviction, of a son who took a sacred vow and changed the course of history. The teaser offers a glimpse into this stirring journey, combining intensity, emotion, and heroism that resonates across generations. Complementing the narrative is a formidable, never-seen-before ensemble cast, bringing together celebrated names from Hindi and Marathi cinema. Alongside Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh, the film features Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Boman Irani, Amol Gupte a... #Shivaji_Maharaj #Chhatrapati_Shivaji #Jio_Studios #Raja_Shivaji #Shivaji #Mumbai_Film #Film_Company #Revenge_Jio #theatrical_preview #drops_online
Raja Shivaji first look teaser to premiere with Dhurandhar The Revenge in theatres Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company are set to unveil the powerful first look teaser of their ambitious historical epic Raja Shivaji, offering audiences an exclusive big-screen experience. The much-anticipated first look teaser will be attached to the theatrical release of Dhurandhar The Revenge, arriving in cinemas on March 19, 2026, with paid previews beginning March 18. The first look teaser of the magnum opus will be available only in theatres, giving audiences the very first glimpse into the grand cinematic retelling of the life and legacy of one of India’s greatest warrior kings, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Headlined and directed by Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh, Raja Shivaji is mounted on a massive scale and narrates the story of a son who took a sacred vow and rose against formidable powers to lay the foundation of Swarajya. Bringing together some of the finest creative forces, the film features music by Ajay–Atul and cinematography by internationally acclaimed Santosh Sivan, as the makers aim to present this historic saga as a cinematic spectacle that transcends linguistic boundaries and celebrates India’s rich legacy on a global canvas. Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, Raja Shivaji is set to showcase the legendary lore in cinemas worldwide on May 1, 2026, promising a larger-than-life tribute to courag... #Jio_Studios #Raja_Shivaji #Shivaji #big-screen_experience #ambitious_historical #historical_epic #exclusive_big-screen #Mumbai_Film #Film_Company #epic_Raja
Assets of Bhooth Bangla, Raja Shivaji, Cocktail 2 attached with Dhurandhar: The Revenge The advance booking of Dhurandhar: The Revenge is off to a flying start, as expected, even though the release is 12 days away. Moviegoers who’ll venture to see the film will be treated to the assets of three upcoming films. According to reports in Pinkvilla, the trailer of Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi, has been attached to the prints of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The horror comedy marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan. Produced by Ekta Kapoor, the song ‘Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge’ was unveiled on February 26 and received a great response. According to recent developments, two more promos will be showcased with Dhurandhar: The Revenge – Raja Shivaji and Cocktail 2. Raja Shivaji is a historical film directed by Riteish Deshmukh and which features him in the lead role of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The other actors in the film are Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Vidya Balan, Genelia Deshmukh, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Amole Gupte and others. Salman Khan also features in the film in a cameo. It is all set to release in cinemas on May 1, on the occasion of Maharashtra Day. Cocktail 2 is produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films. While the first part starred Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone and launched Diana Penty, the second part features Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. Both parts... #flying_start #Akshay_Kumar #Dhurandhar #Bhooth_Bangla #Wamiqa_Gabbi #Bangla #Revenge #advance_booking #Raja_Shivaji #Shivaji
