Epic First Look: Riteish Deshmukh's 'Raja Shivaji' Teaser Launches

India’s Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company have released the first look teaser for 'Raja Shivaji', following its preview in cinemas alongside 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'. The historical action drama, which chronicles the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is now available digitally, after generating strong audience response in cinemas.

This production marks a large-scale treatment of the Marathi historical subject, positioned as a pan-India release. Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh directs and stars in the titular role. The teaser showcases the film’s ensemble cast, which brings together talent from both Hindi and Marathi-language film industries.

'Raja Shivaji' chronicles the rise of young Shivaji Bhonsale, who challenged the might of established empires to found the Maratha kingdom and lay the groundwork for 'Swarajya' (self-rule) during a turbulent period of Indian history. The film is set to be a major cinematic event.

The cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Boman Irani, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupte and Genelia Deshmukh.

Musical duo Ajay–Atul are composing the score, while cinematographer Santosh Sivan is handling the visuals. The production emphasizes high-octane action sequences and period world-building. The film will release worldwide on May 1 in the Marathi, Hindi and Telugu languages.

Jio Studios is presenting the project, with Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh producing under the Mumbai Film Company banner.

The May 1 date falls on Maharashtra Day, a state holiday commemorating the formation of Maharashtra. The popularity of Shivaji can be measured by the fact that the stories of him and his associates have been told in India more than 60 times across film and television, beginning with 'Sinhagad' (1923).

Sandeep Singh’s upcoming historical drama 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,' starring Rishab Shetty as Shivaji, is also underway and due a 2027 release. 'Chhaava,' starring Vicky Kaushal as the legendary Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Shivaji’s son, was one of India’s biggest hits of 2025.

The teaser offers viewers a sneak peek into the ambitious production, showcasing the spectacular action sequences and meticulous production design. The film promises to be an immersive dive into Indian history, with a stellar cast and a top-notch creative team.

The anticipation for 'Raja Shivaji' is high, and it is expected to draw a massive audience both in India and internationally.