Subhash Ghai Praises Riteish Deshmukh's 'Raja Shivaji' as Nationalistic Spectacle

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has enthusiastically praised the trailer and upcoming film 'Raja Shivaji', directed by Riteish Deshmukh. Ghai highlighted the film's passionate creation and "full nationalistic energies," while also noting the support from stars like Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan. The historical action drama depicts the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, and features a large ensemble cast. Presented by Jio Studios, the film is slated for a worldwide pan-India release in May 2026.

Key Points: Subhash Ghai Lauds Riteish Deshmukh's 'Raja Shivaji' Film

  • Subhash Ghai praises film's nationalistic energy
  • Film is directed by and stars Riteish Deshmukh
  • Features Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan
  • Chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
  • Pan-India release set for May 2026
2 min read

Subhash Ghai lauds Riteish Deshmukh's 'Raja Shivaji': Full of nationalistic energies

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai praises Riteish Deshmukh's directorial 'Raja Shivaji', calling it a passionately made film full of nationalistic energies.

"Imagine if the trailor is so rocking - what will be the film.? Just a magical experience in theatres - Subhash Ghai"

Mumbai, April 22

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has heaped praise on Riteish Deshmukh's directorial "Raja Shivaji" and said that it the film is made passionately and with full nationalistic energies.

Subhash shared the poster of the upcoming historical action drama film co-written and directed by Riteish and said that the trailer is "so rocking".

"Imagine if the trailor is so rocking - what will be the film.? Just a magical experience in theatres ... That's #RAJA SHIVAJI A film made by writer, director, actor #RIETESH DESHMUKH n produced by jyoti deshpande for Jio. So passionately with full of nationalistic energies. I can see (sic)," he wrote.

The filmmaker also lauded actors Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan for the support they have given to Riteish.

"Genuinely supported by stars like Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan n the whole industry to see that it becomes an excellent film. Look forward to see this film soon . My blessings always," he wrote.

Raja Shivaji is based on the life of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire. The film features an ensemble cast led by Riteish in the title role, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh.

The film 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.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. He established an independent kingdom by challenging the Deccan Sultanates and the Mughal Empire. In 1663, Shivaji led a successful raid on Pune, targeting Mughal general Shaista Khan, which weakened Mughal control in the region. In 1664, Shivaji conducted the first sack of Surat, a major Mughal port city, disrupting imperial trade.

Presented by Jio Studios, Raja Shivaji a Mumbai Film Company production, produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh, the film is set to release in cinemas worldwide on May 1, 2026 in Marathi, Hindi, and Telugu.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Hoping they get the history right and don't just make it a typical masala action flick. Shivaji Maharaj's life is about strategy and governance, not just battles. Fingers crossed Riteish does justice.
A
Aryan P
Great to see Marathi cinema getting this kind of pan-India push with stars like Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan. Jio Studios backing it is a big deal. The trailer needs to come soon!
S
Sarah B
As someone new to Indian history, I'm excited to learn about Shivaji through this film. The cast looks incredible. Hope it's accessible for international audiences too.
K
Karthik V
"Full of nationalistic energies" – this phrase worries me a bit. I hope the film inspires pride in our history without veering into jingoism. Balance is key. Still, best wishes to the team.
M
Meera T
Riteish directing and acting as Shivaji Maharaj is a bold move! He's a talented actor, but directing a historical epic is another level. The industry support he's getting is heartwarming. All the best!

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