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Riteish Deshmukh Unveils Raja Shivaji First Look Poster
In a major update from the Indian film industry, actor-director Riteish Deshmukh released the first official poster for his highly anticipated historical epic Raja Shivaji on 19 February 2026, coinciding with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti — the birth anniversary of the revered Maratha warrior king.
The striking new poster shows Deshmukh in full regal mode, embodying the spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with a commanding presence — sword in hand, traditional armor, and the saffron flag flying behind him. The image captures a moment of resolute determination, symbolising Shivaji’s historic quest for Swarajya (self-rule) and honour.
Sharing the poster on social media, Deshmukh and producers marked the occasion with emotional and inspiring messages that underscore both the cultural legacy of Shivaji and the cinematic ambitions of the project. Fans across social platforms reacted enthusiastically, with many expressing excitement and anticipation ahead of the film’s release.
A Pan-India Historical Epic
Raja Shivaji is being positioned as a pan-India cinematic offering, with plans for a worldwide theatrical launch on 1 May 2026 — scheduled to coincide with Maharashtra Day. The film is a bilingual action-drama being made in Marathi and Hindi, with dubbed versions expected in other major Indian languages, aiming to reach audiences across the country and beyond.
The poster reveal builds on earlier excitement, highlighting the project’s scale and Deshmukh’s commitment to bringing one of India’s most iconic historical figures to life on screen.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Beyond Deshmukh’s central role, Raja Shivaji features an ensemble cast of celebrated actors, including:
- Abhishek Bachchan
- Sanjay Dutt
- Vidya Balan
- Mahesh Manjrekar
- Sachin Khedekar
- Fardeen Khan
- Bhagyashree
- Jitendra Joshi
- Amole Gupte
- Genelia Deshmukh (also a producer)
This creative lineup underscores the film’s ambition to blend strong performances with high production values. The music is composed by the acclaimed duo Ajay-Atul, and cinematography is helmed by internationally renowned filmmaker Santosh Sivan, adding to the project’s artistic weight and visual grandeur.
Reinvigorating Historical Cinema
The announcement and first-look reveal have sparked widespread conversation within Indian entertainment circles. Many fans and industry commentators see Raja Shivaji as part of a broader trend of historical and biographical films gaining prominence in Indian cinema — blending cultural pride, cinematic spectacle, and storytelling that resonates with audiences across generations.
For Deshmukh, the film represents a significant creative undertaking. Not only is he portraying the legendary Maratha warrior himself, but he is also directing the project — a dual role that speaks to his evolving journey in the industry. His past directorial work, including the successful Marathi film Ved, has already shown his capability to helm large projects, and Raja Shivaji is expected to be his most ambitious yet.
Fan Excitement and Cultural Impact
Releasing the first look on Shivaji Jayanti was a symbolic choice that resonated deeply with audiences, particularly in Maharashtra and among fans of Indian history and culture. The imagery — steeped in historical symbolism and the warrior ethos — generated widespread admiration and anticipation online, with many praising the poster’s powerful visual narrative and Deshmukh’s transformation into the iconic Maratha king.
In Summary
- First look unveiled: 19 Feb 2026 on Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti.
- Release date: Set for 1 May 2026 (worldwide).
- Film type: Bilingual (Marathi & Hindi) historical action-drama.
- Star cast: Includes Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, and more.
- Creative team: Music by Ajay-Atul; cinematography by Santosh Sivan.
Raja Shivaji is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most talked-about films — blending national history with cinematic spectacle — and its first look has already ignited fan excitement nationwide.
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