Raja Shivaji Releases Today: Riteish Deshmukh's Historical Drama Earns Rs 5 Crore in Advance Bookings

Raja Shivaji, starring Riteish Deshmukh, was released in theatres on May 1, 2026, and has opened to strong buzz across Maharashtra and other key markets. The historical drama, made simultaneously in Marathi and Hindi, brings the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the big screen on a large, ambitious scale. Early audience response indicates a noticeable split between critical appreciation and commercial excitement, especially in regional circuits where the subject carries strong emotional weight.

Riteish Deshmukh leads the film not just as the central actor but also as its director, taking on the demanding role of portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film traces his journey from a young strategist to the founder of the Maratha Empire, focusing on themes of leadership, resistance, and Swarajya. Viewers have noted the film’s attempt to blend historical grandeur with mass entertainment storytelling, making it accessible beyond a strictly historical audience.

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the release is the cameo appearance of Salman Khan, which has sparked mixed reactions online. While a section of fans praised the surprise appearance for adding star value and wider appeal, others felt it briefly disrupts the historical tone of the narrative. This contrast has fuelled social media debates, with the cameo becoming almost as discussed as the film itself in early reactions.

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Box office tracking shows a promising start, with advance bookings crossing significant early milestones, reportedly over ₹1 crore and more than 43,000 tickets sold before release. Maharashtra has driven the majority of this demand, supported by the Maharashtra Day holiday, which has boosted theatre occupancy in urban and semi-urban centres. Trade analysts suggest the film could open strongly for a Marathi-language production, potentially setting new benchmarks if word of mouth remains positive.

Early projections indicate a double-digit opening day in key regions, though sustained performance will depend on audience retention and reviews over the first weekend. While the Marathi version is expected to dominate, the Hindi release is projected to have a moderate but steady turnout. Overall, Raja Shivaji has positioned itself as both a cultural tribute and a commercial experiment, with its final box office trajectory likely to be shaped by audience sentiment in the coming days.

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