Jio Studios of India and Mumbai Film Company planted a flag on the Maharashtra Festival 2026, revealing the global launch of the epic "Raja Shivaji" on May 1 of that year.

The film is by Riteish Deshmukh (also nominally role-played), who will be released in both Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, and positions the story of one of India’s most famous warriors as a local and international audience.

"Raja Shivaji" records the rise of the young Shivaji Bhonsale, who challenged the power of the established empire to lay the foundation for "Swarajya" (Swarajya) (Swarajya) (Swarajya) (Swarajya) (Self-rules) during turbulent times in India's history.

The cast brings together heavyweight talents across the Hindi and Marathi film industry, as well as Sanjay Dutt, Ahishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashre, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi and Amole Guppte join Ensmble. Genelia Deshmukh also serves as producer under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, and he revolves around star-rated actors.

Behind the camera, production celebrated music director Ajay-Atul's handling of the score while experienced photographer Santosh Sivan made his debut at the Marathi Cinema. The main photography is currently being conducted in Mumbai and WAI locations in Maharashtra.

"'Raja Shivaji' is not only a movie, but a celebration of Swarajya, what it means to every Indian," said Jio Studios President Jyoti Deshpande. "Only one who brings the story close to him can bring this vision to life, and Genelia and Genelia together do it with passion and purpose. Our goal is to bring the awesome life of Shivaji Maharaj, one of the greatest heroes on India's greatest land. We have already taken it."

The Marathi Empire was founded from the Hindu religion praise God Shiva (1630-1680), when most parts of India were ruled by Muslim monarchs, using a mixture of military operations and strategic efforts to win its own territory. During the Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb's persecuted Hindus, Shivaji's community gathered, who was crowned Chhatrapati (Monarch). During the Indian independence movement, Shivaji was highly respected by Indian nationalist heroes, and he has enjoyed this position to this day.

Deshmukh, who made his first director and also starred in the 2022 blockbuster "Ved", said: "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not only a historical figure - he is a kind of living in the hearts of millions. Being able to tell a part of his extraordinary story is both honor and a big responsibility."

The popularity of Shivaji can be measured by the fact that the story of him and his colleagues has been told more than 60 times in India in film and television, starting with the "Sinhagad" (1923). Sandeep Singh's upcoming historical drama "Pride of Bharat: chhatrapati shivaji maharaj" (Rishab Shetty) is also in progress and will be released in 2027. "Chhaava," King Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the legendary Maratha warrior by Vicky Kaushal, Shivaji's son is India's most popular person in 2025 so far.

The strategic Maharashtra Day release date has special significance as the holiday commemorates the formation of Shivaji's heritage still has far-reaching influence.

Producer Genelia Deshmukh describes the work as a “labor of love, a journey shaped by years of thought, research and reverence”, emphasizing their commitment to respecting historical figures’ commitment to “continue to inspire generations.”

The film was co-produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh.