The long build-up has finally reached its moment as Raja Shivaji, the ambitious historical spectacle headlined by Riteish Deshmukh, arrived in cinemas on May 1. Almost immediately after its release, audiences turned to X to share their first impressions, creating a surge of excitement and discussion around the grand production.
Early reactions from viewers suggest that the film delivers a highly intense and emotionally stirring experience. One moviegoer described it as thrilling from start to finish, praising Riteish Deshmukh’s transformation into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. According to the feedback, his commanding screen presence, powerful expressions, and consistent intensity leave a lasting impact, with several moments designed to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience.
Another standout performance highlighted by viewers is that of Sanjay Dutt, who portrays the formidable antagonist Afzal Khan. His depiction has been described as fierce and dominating, with a strong on-screen aura that elevates every sequence he appears in. The clash between Shivaji and Afzal Khan has particularly been singled out as one of the film’s most gripping segments.
The first half of the movie is being appreciated for its mass appeal, marked by impactful character introductions, a powerful entry for Shivaji, and a steady narrative build-up. Audiences noted the presence of high-energy action sequences combined with a raw and intense tone that keeps viewers engaged. In contrast, the latter half shifts towards a more emotional narrative while maintaining its action-packed momentum. The combination of dramatic storytelling and high-stakes conflict builds up to a climax that many viewers found both surprising and memorable.
The film’s music, composed by Ajay-Atul, has also drawn widespread appreciation. The background score, in particular, has been credited with enhancing the emotional and dramatic weight of key scenes, amplifying the overall cinematic experience. Viewers have also praised the film’s direction and screenplay, noting that the storytelling remains focused and impactful throughout, with strong performances from the entire ensemble cast.
Adding to the excitement is a special appearance by Salman Khan, who plays Jiva Mahala. His brief role has generated significant buzz, with audiences describing it as visually striking and highly memorable. Many believe that his presence will energize theatre audiences, triggering enthusiastic reactions like applause and cheers.
Directed and co-written by Riteish Deshmukh, the film is backed by producers Genelia Deshmukh and Jyoti Deshpande. Featuring a large ensemble cast including Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, and others, the movie traces the life and legacy of Shivaji, the visionary leader who established the Maratha Empire. Shot across locations such as Mumbai and the scenic Western Ghats, the project was mounted on a massive scale, reportedly becoming the costliest Marathi film ever made with a budget of ₹100 crore.
Early reactions from viewers suggest that the film delivers a highly intense and emotionally stirring experience. One moviegoer described it as thrilling from start to finish, praising Riteish Deshmukh’s transformation into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. According to the feedback, his commanding screen presence, powerful expressions, and consistent intensity leave a lasting impact, with several moments designed to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience.
Another standout performance highlighted by viewers is that of Sanjay Dutt, who portrays the formidable antagonist Afzal Khan. His depiction has been described as fierce and dominating, with a strong on-screen aura that elevates every sequence he appears in. The clash between Shivaji and Afzal Khan has particularly been singled out as one of the film’s most gripping segments.
The first half of the movie is being appreciated for its mass appeal, marked by impactful character introductions, a powerful entry for Shivaji, and a steady narrative build-up. Audiences noted the presence of high-energy action sequences combined with a raw and intense tone that keeps viewers engaged. In contrast, the latter half shifts towards a more emotional narrative while maintaining its action-packed momentum. The combination of dramatic storytelling and high-stakes conflict builds up to a climax that many viewers found both surprising and memorable.
The film’s music, composed by Ajay-Atul, has also drawn widespread appreciation. The background score, in particular, has been credited with enhancing the emotional and dramatic weight of key scenes, amplifying the overall cinematic experience. Viewers have also praised the film’s direction and screenplay, noting that the storytelling remains focused and impactful throughout, with strong performances from the entire ensemble cast.
Adding to the excitement is a special appearance by Salman Khan, who plays Jiva Mahala. His brief role has generated significant buzz, with audiences describing it as visually striking and highly memorable. Many believe that his presence will energize theatre audiences, triggering enthusiastic reactions like applause and cheers.
Directed and co-written by Riteish Deshmukh, the film is backed by producers Genelia Deshmukh and Jyoti Deshpande. Featuring a large ensemble cast including Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, and others, the movie traces the life and legacy of Shivaji, the visionary leader who established the Maratha Empire. Shot across locations such as Mumbai and the scenic Western Ghats, the project was mounted on a massive scale, reportedly becoming the costliest Marathi film ever made with a budget of ₹100 crore.
