"The Monday Test": 'Raja Shivaji' Hits Rs 40 Crore After a Rock-Steady Hold!

"The Monday Test": 'Raja Shivaji' Hits Rs 40 Crore After a Rock-Steady Hold!
The "Shivaji wave" shows no signs of receding. After a record-shattering opening weekend, Riteish Deshmukh’s historical epic, Raja Shivaji, passed the crucial Monday test with flying colors yesterday, May 4, 2026. Despite the expected post-weekend dip, the film maintained a powerful momentum, proving it has the "long-distance legs" needed for a historic theatrical run.

By the end of its first Monday, the film's total India net collection reached approximately ₹39.50–₹43.20 crore (depending on final language tallies), effectively recovering over 58% of its ₹75–100 crore budget in just four days.

Monday Breakdown: A "Rock-Steady" Performance


While many regional films see a 60-70% drop on their first working day, Raja Shivaji held its ground with a respectable 52% hold compared to its massive opening Friday.

Metric Monday (Day 4) Collection Total 4-Day India Net Combined (Marathi + Hindi) ₹5.60 – ₹6.20 Crore ₹39.50 – ₹43.20 Crore Marathi Version ₹4.25 Crore ~₹31.75 Crore Hindi Version ₹1.35 Crore ~₹12.35 Crore

Regional Dominance: The Marathi version continues to be the primary engine, showing a sub-50% drop in key circuits like Mumbai and Pune.

Hindi Footprint: The Hindi version has now crossed the ₹12 crore mark, performing significantly better than most standalone Marathi-dubbed films in the North Indian belt.

Shattering Records: Now the 4th Highest-Grossing Marathi Film


In just 96 hours, Raja Shivaji has done what most films take weeks to achieve. By crossing the ₹40 crore mark, it has already surpassed the lifetime collections of several iconic Marathi blockbusters:

Surpassed: Lai Bhaari (₹37 Cr), Pawankhind (₹37.7 Cr), and Natsamrat (₹42 Cr).

The Next Targets: The film is now chasing down Riteish’s own Ved (₹61.20 Cr) and the massive Baipan Bhari Deva (₹76 Cr). Trade experts predict it could become the second-highest-grossing Marathi film of all time by the end of its second weekend.

'Raja Shivaji' (2026) Snapshot


Feature Details Budget ₹75–100 Crore (Most expensive Marathi film ever) Monday Shows 5,145 Nationwide Current Pace ₹60–65 Crore (Projected First Week) Global Status ₹50 Crore+ Gross (Including Overseas)

"Emotion over Masala": Why it's Holding


Audience feedback from Monday’s shows highlights that the film’s "emotional core" is its biggest strength:

Word-of-Mouth: Unlike typical "star vehicles," viewers are praising the historical accuracy and the "restrained" direction by Riteish Deshmukh.

The Salman Effect: The buzz around Salman Khan's cameo as Jiva Mahala continues to drive repeat audiences, especially in single-screen theaters where the "mass" appeal is highest.

SantaBanta Verdict:


By holding steady at ₹5.6–6.2 crore on a working Monday, Raja Shivaji has officially entered the "Blockbuster" territory. With "Discounted Tuesday" (May 5) expected to see another surge in footfall, the film is on track to cross the ₹50 crore mark today. For Riteish Deshmukh, this isn't just a box office win; it’s a validation of a decade’s worth of work in bringing Maratha history to the global stage.

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