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: Akshay Kumar-starrer Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat shoot complete, post-production underway; makers eyeing January 1, 2027 release As the industry, trade and fans gear up for Raja Shivaji this Friday, reports started coming in about another ambitious film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that was launched with much fanfare some years ago – Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat. Directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, it stars Akshay Kumar in the role of the great emperor. The reports stated that the film hadn’t been completed and raised questions about whether it would ever see the light of day. Bollywood Hungama has learned that contrary to these reports, the film is very much on track. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The shoot of the film has been successfully completed and right now, post-production is going on. There has indeed been a delay, but a team has been dedicatedly working on the film regularly. ”The source continued, “Akshay Kumar has shot for the film for 25 days and has poured life into the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Moreover, Mahesh Manjrekar has mounted the film on a grand scale. It has shaped up to be one of the grandest films in Indian cinema. ”When asked about the release date, the source added, “The makers are yet to lock the release, but at present, they are eyeing the January 1, 2027 slot. An official announcement will be made once the makers finalize the release. ”Besides Akshay Kumar, Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat also stars Mahesh ... #Akshay_Kumar #Shivaji_Maharaj #Chhatrapati_Shivaji #Raja_Shivaji #Akshay_Kumar-starrer #Kumar-starrer_Vedat #Marathe_Veer #Veer_Daudle #Vedat_Marathe #Daudle_Saat
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
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
From remark to retreat: Why Shivaji Maharaj–Tipu Sultan comparison sparked row - explained In Maharashtra, Shivaji Maharaj occupies an almost sacred position across ideological lines, but particularly within the political vocabulary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena. The Maratha ruler is frequently invoked as a symbol of indigenous sovereignty, martial pride and cultural assertion. References to Hindavi Swarajya resonate strongly with narratives centred on civilisational identity and self-determination. #Shiv_Sena #Bharatiya_Janata #Janata_Party #Shivaji_Maharaj #Tipu_Sultan #Sultan_comparison #Maharaj_occupies #sparked_row #ideological_lines #comparison_sparked
Watch: Drunk man naps on track as train stops inches away A man, reportedly intoxicated, was found sleeping on a railway track at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, halting Harbour Line services and delaying thousands of commuters. The incident, captured in a viral video, saw the train stop just in time, preventing a tragedy. Operations resumed after the man was safely removed. #Shivaji_Maharaj #Chhatrapati_Shivaji #Maharaj_Terminus #Mumbai_Chhatrapati #Harbour_Line #halting_Harbour #Line_services #reportedly_intoxicated #Drunk_man #found_sleeping
Row over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj–Tipu Sultan comparison: 9 injured as BJP, Congress workers clash in stone pelting after Sapkal’s remarks #Congress_workers #Shivaji_Maharaj #Tipu_Sultan #Chhatrapati_Shivaji #Sultan_comparison
