The official first-look teaser of Raja Shivaji was released on March 31, 2026, offering a powerful glimpse into the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Directed by Riteish Deshmukh, who also stars in the title role, the film is positioned as a grand historical action drama tracing Shivaji’s journey towards Swarajya. The teaser, which runs a little over two and a half minutes, is packed with battle imagery, royal settings and emotionally charged moments.
Riteish Deshmukh in an ambitious dual role
The film marks an ambitious step for Riteish Deshmukh, who is both directing the project and essaying the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The teaser presents him in a fierce, commanding avatar, highlighting the warrior king’s courage, vision and resolve in the face of powerful empires. Early footage suggests a scale-driven retelling with a strong focus on war, resistance and the birth of self-rule.
Star-studded ensemble cast
Along with Riteish, the film features a large ensemble cast. Genelia Deshmukh plays Saibai, while Sanjay Dutt appears as Afzal Khan and Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale. The cast also includes Mahesh Manjrekar, Vidya Balan, Sachin Khedekar, Boman Irani, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi and Amol Gupte. Cinematography is by Santosh Sivan, while Ajay–Atul are composing the score.
Rich visuals and large-scale ambition
The teaser underlines the film’s grand production design, with visuals of forts, horses, elephants, palace settings and large-scale battle sequences. It positions Raja Shivaji as a visually mounted period spectacle aimed at a wide theatrical audience. Coverage around the teaser has also noted the strong buzz created earlier when it was previewed in theatres alongside Dhurandhar: The Revenge before its digital launch.
Release date locked
Produced under the Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company banners, with Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh attached as producers, Raja Shivaji is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day. Current teaser-related reports say the film will release in Marathi, Hindi and Telugu.
By Manoj H