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Riteish Deshmukh has finally addressed the comparisons between his historical epic and blockbuster films Tanhaji and Chhaava. Riteish met with Vicky Kaushal and Ajay Devgn while making Raja Shivaji and both actors also shot promotional content for him because the central themes of all three films are based on Maratha heroes. Speaking candidly in an exclusive interaction with Zoom, Riteish shared his thoughts on the comparisons while also praising the work of Ajay Devgn and Vicky Kaushal in their respective projects. The actor also said how this kind of support from friends and colleagues shows the positive atmosphere in the Indian film industry.

 clarified that Raja Shivaji comes from a very different cinematic space despite being accessible to Hindi audiences. He said, “What happens is that when we are doing a film called Raja Shivaji, it’s a Marathi film available in Hindi. Tanhaji and Chhaava are Hindi films, right? So the scale and context are much more different.”

 

The actor-filmmaker admitted that comparisons are inevitable whenever large-scale historical films are made but maintained that he does not want to get deeply involved in those conversations. “Of course people are comparing and it’s okay; they can. I’m not going to get into that,” he added. Riteish also had nothing but admiration for Ajay Devgn and Vicky Kaushal, fondly referring to Ajay as 'AJ.' Praising their performances, he shared, “Their work itself, when you look at them perform, what they did was truly magical on screen. Their journey, their choices were different. They did create history in a way.”

Interestingly, Riteish revealed that he recently had meaningful conversations with both actors regarding filmmaking and portraying historical figures on screen. Speaking about Vicky Kaushal, Riteish said the two discussed each other’s journeys and experiences while working on period dramas. “When myself and Vicky discussed, he said, ‘I want to come and talk about your journey,’ and it was just beautiful,” he shared.

 

The actor further revealed that his conversations with Ajay Devgn focused more on the technical and emotional challenges involved in mounting a historical project. “With AJ, it was just as filmmakers, actors, producers. What goes into making a historical? What are the choices you make? Why do you want to make a movie like this?" he explained.

Riteish said that audiences should know there is mutual respect and camaraderie within the film industry despite constant comparisons and competition. “It’s important for the audience to know that apart from discussing, we are all brothers standing up for each other, being there for each other,” he said.

Watch the interview here:

 

Meanwhile, Raja Shivaji has already crossed Rs 50 crore. Apart from Riteish Deshmukh in the lead role, the film features Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan and Abhishek Bachchan as Shivaji’s elder brother Shambhu. Genelia Deshmukh portrays Saibai, while Bhagyashree essays the role of Jijabai. The film also includes performances from Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, and a special cameo by Salman Khan as Jeeva Mahale.