The film ‘Raja Shivaji’, based on the glorious history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, has created a tsunami at the box office as soon as it hit the theatres. This film, released on May 1, is not only getting the love of the audience, but the stalwarts of the film industry are also appreciating the vision of Riteish Deshmukh. Veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) has praised the success of the film and Ritesh’s acting.
RGV’s tweet: ‘Riteish is rocking the theatres’
Ram Gopal Varma congratulated Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh while reacting on social media platform X (Twitter). He wrote: “Hey @geneliad, congratulations on how your film #RajaShivaji is taking the box office by storm… @Riteishd is taking the theaters by storm both as a director and actor and he truly looks like #ShivajiMaharaj incarnate.” Varma particularly praised Ritesh’s looks and screen presence, which brings to life the early life of the great Maratha ruler and his struggle for ‘Swarajya’.
about the movie
Ritesh has played the lead role in ‘Raja Shivaji’. Many well-known actors like Abhishek Bachchan, Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi and Amol Gupte have also worked in the film.
This historical drama is based on the early life of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It depicts his dream of ‘Swarajya’ and his struggle against the powerful forces of that time. The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, and presented by Jio Studios.
‘Raja Shivaji’: cast information
‘Raja Shivaji’ is based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. Many big stars have worked in this film, in which Ritesh Deshmukh has played the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Sanjay Dutt appears as Afzal Khan, while Salman Khan plays a cameo role as Jeeva Mahala. Abhishek Bachchan is seen as Sambhaji Shahji Bhosle, and Vidya Balan plays the role of Badi Begum.
Genelia Deshmukh plays the role of Saibai, Mahesh Manjrekar plays the role of Lakhujirao Jadhav and Boman Irani plays the role of Peer Baba. Bhagyashree Patwardhan as Jijabai, Jitendra Joshi as Pant, Fardeen Khan as Shahjahan, Sachin Khedekar as Shahji Raje Bhosle, Amole Gupte as Adilshah are seen in important roles.
hey @geneliad CONGRATS on the way your #RajaShivaji is both SLASHING and SMASHING the BOXOFFICE.. @Riteishd both as DIRECTOR and ACTOR is creating MAYHEM in the THEATRES and he literally looks #ShivajiMaharaj REINCARNATED 🙏🔥🔥
— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) May 1, 2026