New Delhi: Excitement builds as Riteish Deshmukh unleashes his fierce first look from the epic film Raja Shivaji. Fans are buzzing over the powerful poster shared on Shiv Jayanti, showing the actor as the legendary warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, sword in hand amid a battlefield.
Makers have locked the release for May 1, 2026 – Maharashtra Day – promising a never-before spectacle on the big screen. Get ready for Swarajya’s grand revival.
First look poster unveiled
Riteish Deshmukh shared the striking first-look poster on Instagram to mark the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In the image, he stands tall in period armour, gripping a sword and a saffron flag, symbolising the fight for Swarajya. The post went viral quickly, with fans praising the intense visuals.
The caption, posted by Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, reads: “When darkness longed for light, a flame rose high.. When history stood still, A young warrior chose to rewrite it.. When a land yearned for honour, a son took an oath, and Swarajya was born. On the sacred occasion of Shiv Jayanti, celebrating the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company unveil the first poster of #RajaShivaji Our King. Our Pride. Our Legacy. Director Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh brings to life the story of our Raja in a cinematic spectacle never witnessed before! #RajaShivaji In cinemas from 1 May 2026. Jai Shivrai!”
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Riteish’s tribute at Shivneri Fort
Riteish paid homage at Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj in 1630 and a key Maratha stronghold. Speaking to Times of India, he said, “Aaj ka din bada hi saubhagya ka din hai (Today is a very lucky day). Aaj ke din humare chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj ka janm hua tha (Our Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on this day).”
He added, “Unki keerti aur unka shourya, yeh sabhi logo ko pata hai (His fame and his bravery are known to all). Aur itne varsho ke baad bhi woh humein nayi urja dete hai, nayi prerna dete hai… yeh prerna sabhi ko prapt ho yehi mein akansha aur shubhecha deta hu (And even after so many years, he gives us new energy, new inspiration… I wish and wish that everyone gets this inspiration).”
Film production highlights
Raja Shivaji is Riteish Deshmukh’s directorial debut, where he also stars as the young Shivaji who founded the Maratha Empire. Last year, Riteish called it “a humble tribute to the great warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje from the entire team working on this film. Halfway there, long way to go,” in response to Suniel Shetty’s praise.
The film boasts massive sets recreating 16th-century Maharashtra forts, meticulously scanned for authenticity, and was shot in Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Satara, and Mumbai over six months. Produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, it will release in multiple languages, including Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam on May 1, 2026.