Riteish Deshmukh is set to bring the legendary life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the silver screen with the upcoming film ‘Raja Shivaji’. Besides directing, the actor will also portray the iconic historical figure. The announcement comes days after Sandeep Singh revealed “The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”.
Jio Studios, Riteish, and Genelia Deshmukh’s Mumbai Film Company unveiled their collaboration on “Raja Shivaji”. Both films were announced on the 394th birth anniversary of Shivaji on Feb. 19. Shivaji (1630-1680) founded the Maratha empire during the time when most of India was under Mughal rule, employing a mixture of military strategies and strategic acumen to win territories.
Riteish Deshmukh to Star as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The film ‘Raja Shivaji’ holds special significance for the actor as he will direct it and portray the iconic historical figure. Sharing his excitement about the new project, the actor posted on X, expressing his reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the auspicious occasion of his birth anniversary. He stated, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name but an emotion… May his legacy continue to inspire us for generations to come. We seek your blessings as we begin our new journey. Jai Shivrai!!”
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name but an emotion. On the auspicious occasion of his birth anniversary, I join you in paying homage to the great son of the soil. May his legacy continue to inspire us for generations to come.
We seek your blessings as we begin our new… pic.twitter.com/HPAQXhaygN— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) February 19, 2024
The shooting is set to commence soon, and the film is slated to hit the big screens in 2025. Alongside Riteish, his wife, Genelia Deshmukh, has also joined the team as the producer. ‘Raja Shivaji’ is presented by Jio Studios and produced under the banner of Mumbai Film Company. Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh are the film’s producers.
About ‘Raja Shivaji’
“Raja Shivaji,” a bilingual film in Marathi and Hindi, will depict the journey of the young Shivaji, who defied prevailing powers to become Chhatrapati (monarch). Riteish Deshmukh, known for his debut directorial and acting role in the 2022 blockbuster “Ved,” will direct and play the title character.
Santosh Sivan, renowned for his work in the 2023 Rotterdam title “Moha,” is the cinematographer, while the music is composed by the acclaimed duo Ajay-Atul, known for “Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior.” Jyoti Deshpande, President of Media and Entertainment at Reliance Industries Limited, helmed the ambitious project, along with Genelia Deshmukh.
Deshpande expressed her thoughts,
“At Jio Studios, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and bringing diverse narratives to audiences worldwide. ‘Raja Shivaji’ embodies this vision, it’s not just a regional tale, it’s a culturally rooted narrative designed to transcend languages and regions, and we are very proud to associate with Riteish and Genelia in bringing the story of one of India’s greatest sons of the soil to life through this magnificent project”.
Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh’s Vision for ‘Raja Shivaji’
Genelia Deshmukh remarked,
“We embark on a noble quest, not merely to produce a film, but to weave a narrative thread that enriches the tapestry of our culture and history. ‘Raja Shivaji’ is our biggest dream, and we couldn’t have found a better partner than Jyoti Deshpande and Jio Studios, who have the legacy of doing the unthinkable.”
Riteish Deshmukh articulated,
“In the annals of history, there emerges a figure who transcends mere mortal existence – a legend, an icon, an eternal flame of inspiration. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not a mere historical figure; he is an emotion, a timeless saga of valour, and a beacon of hope that has illuminated hearts for over three and a half centuries.
Our deepest aspiration has always been to immortalize his awe-inspiring journey on the grand canvas of cinema – a journey of epic proportions, depicting the rise of a boy who defied the invincible, sparking the flames of Swarajya. A rebel whose courage knew no bounds, he didn’t just rule the land; he conquered hearts, earning the endearing title of ‘Raja Shivaji.'”
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