Raja Shivaji Movie Review: Riteish Deshmukh’s Incredible Storytelling Roars Before the King Even Arrives
Movie – Raja Shivaji
Director – Riteish Deshmukh
Star cast – Riteish Deshmukh, Rahyl Deshmukh
Music Director – Ajay-Atul
Ratings – 4.5
Ever since his directorial debut with Ved, Riteish Deshmukh has proven he has a keen eye for cinema. With Raja Shivaji, that faith is rewarded. Walking into a packed Friday morning show, the palpable hype in the theater is matched by a grand, descriptive opening that sets the stage for the Maratha Empire’s rise.
A Star-Studded History Lesson
The film doesn’t rush into the action; instead, it meticulously builds the world of the Bhosale family and their precarious alliances with the Nizam Shahi. The early minutes are a treat for fans of ensemble cinema:
- The Child Protagonist: Riteish’s son, Rahyl Deshmukh, delivers a brilliant performance as a young Shivaji, capturing the spark of a future king.
- Powerhouse Cameos: Within just 20 minutes, the screen is graced by Fardeen Khan, Vidya Balan, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, and Sanjay Dutt. Each actor nails their guest appearance with sharp presence and historical finesse.
Three Standout Elements So Far
- Emotional Family Dynamics Before the roar for Swarajya begins, the film explores the Bhosales as a family. It poignantly captures their struggle to stay united while being torn between royal duties and the political upheaval caused by the Shahs, Nizams, and Mughals.
- The Sonic Grandeur (Music & Dialogues) The legendary duo Ajay-Atul have outdone themselves. The background score (BGM) works in perfect tandem with the sharp, impactful dialogues. The chapters covering Shivaji’s upbringing in Bengaluru and Pune are particularly impressive, providing a solid foundation for the legend.
- The ‘Abhishek Bachchan’ Factor Playing the elder brother, Shambhuji Maharaj, Abhishek Bachchan commands the screen. Riteish Deshmukh’s direction shines here—he keeps the narrative elaborate and detailed without ever becoming confusing. Every character, no matter how brief their stay, is given a proper, respectful introduction.
The Verdict
Surprisingly, Riteish Deshmukh has yet to appear as the adult Raja Shivaji. Yet, there are zero complaints. The world-building is so intriguing and the storytelling so immersive that the audience is already hooked.
As Shivaji and Shambhuji Maharaj transition into rebels, a massive rebellion is clearly brewing. In one word: Impressive.
