Riteish Deshmukh returns to direction with Raja Shivaji, a bilingual, chapter-based historical biopic that reframes the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the making of a leader rather than a spectacle of war. Starring and directed by Riteish, and backed by Jio Studios with producers Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under Mumbai Film Company, the film-released around Maharashtra Day-opts for a measured, emotionally layered narrative and has been rated 4.5 stars in this review.
The film deliberately avoids large-scale battle set pieces and instead traces Shivaji’s formative years, exploring his influences, thoughts and relationships that shaped his vision. Central to this approach is the emphasis on family, especially the role of his mother, Jijabai, whose moral guidance becomes the story’s emotional anchor and helps humanize Shivaji’s evolution from boy to leader.
Riteish Deshmukh’s central performance is restrained and composed; he favors stillness and subtlety over grandiosity, allowing intimate moments to breathe. Genelia Deshmukh’s presence-both on and off screen-adds a soft emotional texture that balances the political narrative. Young Rahyl Deshmukh is noted for a natural, engaging portrayal of the young Shivaji that makes the early chapters particularly affecting.
The supporting cast delivers notable contributions: Vidya Balan as Badi Begam impresses with nuanced intelligence, Sanjay Dutt’s Afzal Khan brings a quiet but menacing tension, and Fardeen Khan’s Shah Jahan is defined by watchful restraint. Abhishek Bachchan’s Sambhaji carries emotional weight and internal conflict, while a brief cameo by Salman Khan as Jiva Mahala provides a resonant moment of personal loyalty. Ensemble players including Bhagyashree, Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Boman Irani, Jitendra Joshi and Amole Gupte round out a cast that makes the film’s world feel complete.
Technically the film is anchored by Santosh Sivan’s grounded, grand cinematography and an evocative score by Ajay–Atul that supports rather than overwhelms the storytelling. The interplay of Marathi and Hindi elements adds cultural authenticity, reinforcing the film’s Pan-India intent while preserving a special resonance for audiences in Maharashtra.
More than a conventional war epic, Raja Shivaji presents a quieter, reflective study of leadership, resilience and identity-an intimate portrait the review suggests is essential viewing for every Indian. (IANS)
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/05/03/slasher-movies-series-cut-and-reviewed-18/
Category: ENTERTAINMENT BUZZ
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Publish Date: 2026-05-03 05:40:00
