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Raja Shivaji is a historical drama directed by Riteish Deshmukh. The film portrays the evolution of Shivaji Shahaji Bhonsle into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Set in the mid-seventeenth century, it takes place in parts of future Maharashtra.

The narrative centers on Shivaji’s struggle against his main adversary, Afzal Khan, played by Sanjay Dutt. The film emphasizes Shivaji’s pursuit of Hindavi Swaraj, a concept integral to Maratha nationalism.

Raja Shivaji has a runtime of 195 minutes and features a mix of Marathi and Hindi dialogue. Vidya Balan appears as Khadija, the wife of Adil Shah. The film also includes Bollywood cameos, such as Salman Khan as Jeeva Mahala.

Key facts:

• The screenplay is co-written by Riteish Deshmukh, Jaideep Yadav, and Prajakt Deshmukh.
• The cinematography is by Santosh Sivan.
• The music is composed by Ajay-Atul.

Recently, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition claiming that the title “Raja Shivaji” was derogatory. Critics have mixed feelings about the film’s execution. One review noted that “the first half is so unimpressive and slow that I was ready to fall asleep in an instant.” However, another source stated, “Raja Shivaji isn’t perfect, but it tells the tale of the Maratha king very nicely.”

Currently, Raja Shivaji has been released in both Marathi and Hindi versions. It aims to revive national interest in this iconic figure from Maharashtra’s history. The film’s portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj reflects ongoing discussions around nationalism and identity in contemporary India.