Raja Shivaji, the historical action drama film co-written and directed by Riteish Deshmukh, was released in theatres this Friday. Based on the life of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, the film is produced by Genelia Deshmukh and Jyoti Deshpande. While Riteish himself plays the titular role, the film also features Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh.
Touted to be the most expensive Marathi film ever made (its rumoured budget is Rs 100 Cr), the film features an "Amar Chitra Katha-style spectacle." Indian Express, in its balanced review, noted that while Riteish plays his role with extreme sincerity, the film lacks moral complexity.
The Hindu's review suggests the film is "effective in parts" but remains a "relentless historical" that is more content with glorifying Shivaji Maharaj than exploring the nature of his humanity. Hindustan Times' review labels the film "more admirable than riveting."
The consensus from Scroll and New Indian Express is that the film is "occasionally mesmerising, largely laborious." While praising the "top-notch" work of cinematographer Santosh Sivan and the "staggering introduction" of Sanjay Dutt’s Afzal Khan, the reviews critique the choppy editing and uneven production scale.
Raja Shivaji is being seen more as a Maharashtra movie targeting the Marathi-speaking audience although it intends to be an India-wide release.
