In a heartfelt nod to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, celebrated vibrantly on February 19 as Shiv Jayanti in Maharashtra, Bollywood stars Vidya Balan and Bhagyashree have endorsed Ritesh Deshmukh’s directorial venture ‘Raja Shivaji’. Sharing the official poster on social media, they expressed profound admiration for the film that promises to bring the Maratha warrior’s saga to life.
Their joint post painted a vivid picture: a beacon of light piercing darkness, a brave youth reshaping destiny, and the oath that birthed Swarajya. ‘Our Raja. Our Pride. Our Heritage,’ they declared, highlighting Jio Studios and Mumbai Films’ release of the poster on this sacred day. Ritesh Deshmukh leads as both director and protagonist, chronicling young Shivaji Bhonsle’s epic journey.
Boasting an enviable lineup—Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree herself, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupta, and Genelia Deshmukh as co-producer—the film is poised for a pan-India rollout on May 1, 2026, dubbed in several languages. This isn’t just a biopic; it’s a meticulously crafted ode to resilience and sovereignty.
The buzz is palpable, with fans dissecting every detail of the poster and speculating on the visual effects that will transport viewers to 17th-century Maharashtra. As Ritesh steps into such monumental shoes, the industry watches closely. Will ‘Raja Shivaji’ redefine historical dramas and storm the box office, or etch itself as a cultural milestone? The countdown to cinemas has begun, fueling debates on its potential to inspire a new generation.