Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh visited the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple in Bhiwandi, Thane on April 26 to seek divine blessings ahead of the global theatrical release of their highly anticipated historical epic, "Raja Shivaji". The couple performed a traditional aarti at the sacred site, connecting the spiritual significance of the visit with the film's deeply rooted Marathi cultural identity. The biopic is set to hit cinema screens worldwide on May 1, 2025.

Grand Welcome at Bhiwandi Temple

The Deshmukh couple received a rousing welcome from locals and devotees at the temple premises. Villagers gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the celebrated duo, with women dressed in traditional navvari sarees adding to the festive atmosphere.

A vibrant dhol-tasha performance greeted the couple upon arrival, followed by a Maha Aarti and a traditional aarti ceremony. In a touching tribute to the film, a beautifully crafted "Raja Shivaji" themed rangoli was also created as part of the elaborate welcome.

After the religious rituals, Riteish and Genelia took time to interact warmly with fans who had assembled outside the temple, further deepening their connection with the Marathi-speaking community that this film is especially dedicated to.

About the Film: Cast, Crew & Vision

"Raja Shivaji" is directed, written, and produced by Riteish Deshmukh, who also portrays the titular character — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast featuring Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Boman Irani, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh.

The film's cinematography has been helmed by the acclaimed Santosh Sivan, while the editing department is led by Urvashi Saxena. It is a Mumbai Film Company production, presented by Jio Studios and backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh.

The film will release in multiple languages — Marathi, Hindi, and Telugu — ensuring a pan-India and global audience reach.

Historical Significance: The Legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

"Raja Shivaji" draws its narrative from the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who established an independent Maratha kingdom by boldly challenging the Deccan Sultanates and the mighty Mughal Empire in the 17th century. His legacy remains one of the most revered in Indian history, particularly in Maharashtra.

The film draws from pivotal historical events, including the 1663 raid on Pune, when Shivaji launched a daring strike against Mughal general Shaista Khan, significantly weakening Mughal authority in the Deccan region. This event is considered a defining moment in the rise of the Maratha confederacy.

This is not merely a cinematic endeavour — it is a cultural statement. Riteish Deshmukh, a proud Maharashtrian, has invested years into bringing this epic to screen, and the temple visit underscores the reverence with which the project has been approached.

Why This Film Matters Beyond Box Office

The release of "Raja Shivaji" carries significance beyond entertainment. It arrives at a time when pan-India historical epics are reshaping how regional identities are projected on a national and global stage — following the massive success of films like "Tanhaji" and "Panipat". The Marathi film industry, or Mollywood, rarely commands this scale of production, star power, and multilingual release strategy.

The backing of Jio Studios, one of India's most powerful entertainment conglomerates, signals a significant investment in Marathi cultural storytelling reaching mainstream audiences. Critics and trade analysts will closely watch the film's opening weekend numbers, especially in Maharashtra, where Shivaji Maharaj is not just a historical figure but a living cultural icon.

With a May 1 global release date, "Raja Shivaji" is set to be one of the most significant Indian historical films of 2025, and audiences across India and the diaspora will be watching closely.