With a massive production budget of ₹100 crore, the film is a grand bilingual (Marathi and Hindi) tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and the early reviews are calling it a "cinematic masterpiece."
Box Office: The "Record-Breaking" Morning
On the strength of advance bookings alone, Raja Shivaji has already surpassed the opening day records of previous Marathi blockbusters like Sairat and Ved:
Advance Booking Peak: The film sold over 43,000 tickets before the first show even began, with pre-sales grossing approximately ₹4.25 crore for the Marathi version alone.
Early Collection: As of early Friday afternoon, the film has already recorded a net collection of ₹1.59 crore from initial shows, with 100% occupancy reported in several pockets of the Marathwada and Western Maharashtra regions.
The "Double Digit" Target: Trade analysts predict that if the Hindi and Telugu versions hold steady, the film could potentially touch the ₹10 crore mark on Day 1—a feat never before seen in Marathi cinema.
First Reviews: "A Grand Cinematic Salute"
Critics and audiences are unanimous in their praise, particularly for the film's technical scale and emotional core:
The Performances: Riteish Deshmukh is being hailed for his career-best performance in the titular role. Sanjay Dutt’s menacing turn as Afzal Khan and Abhishek Bachchan’s portrayal of Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale (Shivaji’s elder brother) are being cited as major highlights.
The Music: The score by Ajay-Atul is described as the "soul of the film," with the background themes providing a goosebump-inducing experience during the battle sequences.
Visual Spectacle: Santosh Sivan’s cinematography has drawn comparisons to international epics, capturing the rugged beauty of the Western Ghats with unprecedented scale.
The Salman Khan Factor: A "Fiery" Cameo
One of the most discussed moments on social media this morning is the special appearance by Salman Khan.
The Role: While details were kept secret, fans are calling his cameo "fiery" and "impactful," with his entrance reportedly leading to "whistle-worthy" moments in single-screen theaters.
'Raja Shivaji' (2026) Snapshot
Feature Details Director Riteish Deshmukh Budget ₹100 Crore Cast Riteish, Genelia, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan Runtime 3h 7m (Marathi) Cinematography Santosh Sivan
The "8-Minute" Strategy
Interestingly, Riteish has opted for a unique distribution strategy:
Cultural Nuance: The Hindi version of the film is 8 minutes shorter than the Marathi original.
The Reason: Reports suggest the Marathi version includes additional historical subtexts and cultural dialogues designed specifically for the local audience, while the Hindi version is a more "tightly-paced" edit for a pan-India reach.
SantaBanta Verdict:
Raja Shivaji is more than just a movie; it is a landmark event for regional cinema. By combining high-octane action with deep historical reverence, Riteish Deshmukh has successfully bridged the gap between "commercial mass cinema" and "authentic historical storytelling." On this Maharashtra Day, the "Lion of the Sahyadri" is truly roaring at the box office.
