‘Raja Shivaji’ to Feature Different Runtimes for Hindi and Marathi Releases
In a rare move for a pan-Indian release, the historical epic Raja Shivaji will hit theaters with two distinct runtimes. While it is standard practice for multilingual films to maintain the same length across all versions, director and lead actor Riteish Deshmukh has opted for a “novel experiment” to cater to different audience sensibilities.
The film, which releases on May 1, 2026, was recently cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for both languages, revealing a notable difference in their durations.
The Runtime Breakdown
According to official censor certificates, the Hindi audience will experience a slightly leaner version of the Maratha saga:
Talking about the Marathi Version – 195 minutes and 5 seconds (3 hours, 15 minutes) and Hindi Version: 187 minutes and 5 seconds (3 hours, 7 minutes). The Hindi version is exactly 8 minutes shorter than the original Marathi cut.
Industry insiders suggest this decision was strategic. While the Marathi version leans into “local flavor” and detailed historical nuances for an audience deeply connected to the subject, the Hindi version has been edited to keep the narrative crisper for a broader national market.
Censor Board Details
The Hindi version received its U/A 16+ certificate on April 28. Notably, the CBFC did not request any additional cuts for the Hindi release, as all necessary modifications including the replacement of sensitive visuals—had already been addressed during the Marathi version’s certification process.
The only specific requirement for the Hindi print was that all text slates, including chapter names, dates, and locations, be presented in the Hindi language.
A Consistent Strategy
The difference in length was also visible in the promotional material. The Marathi trailer clocked in at 3 minutes and 5 seconds, while the Hindi trailer was slightly shorter at 2 minutes and 59 seconds, hinting at this “crisp” editing approach early on.
Produced by Mumbai Film Company and Jio Studios, the film features a massive ensemble including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Vidya Balan. By offering two tailored viewing experiences, the makers are aiming to maximize the film’s appeal as it prepares for one of the biggest theatrical openings of the year.
