Jio Studios, Mumbai Film Company unveil Raja Shivaji

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On the auspicious occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, leading content studio Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company proudly announced their association for Raja Shivaji, a magnum opus directed by Riteish Deshmukh and featuring him in the titular role. This bilingual (Marathi and Hindi) historical action drama is set to bring to life the extraordinary journey of a young Shivaji, who rebelled against mighty powers and eventually went on to become the revered Raja Shivaji and establish Swarajya (freedom, literally meaning ‘self-rule’).

The epic saga will have music composed by Ajay–Atul, while cinematography will be by Santosh Sivan, marking his debut in Marathi cinema. Riteish had earlier introduced names like Salman Khan and Vishal-Sheykhar to Marathi cinema.

Raja Shivaji aims to set new benchmarks with unprecedented scale, exploring the life of Maharashtra’s greatest warrior and rebel king Shivaji Maharaj’s valiant spirit.

Announcing the project, Jyoti Deshpande, President – Media & Entertainment, RIL, said, “At Jio Studios, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and bringing diverse narratives to audiences worldwide. Raja Shivaji embodies this vision, as it’s not just a regional tale but a culturally-rooted narrative designed to transcend languages and regions. We are very proud to associate with Riteish and Genelia (Deshmukh) as producers in bringing the story of one of India’s greatest sons of the soil to life through this magnificent project.”

Riteish Deshmukh, director and lead actor, said, “In the annals of history, there emerges a figure who transcends mere mortal existence—a legend, an icon, an eternal flame of inspiration. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not a mere historical figure: he is an emotion, a timeless saga of valor and a beacon of hope that has illuminated hearts for over three-and-a-half centuries. Our deepest aspiration has always been to immortalize his awe-inspiring journey on the grand canvas of cinema—a journey of epic proportions, depicting the rise of a boy who defied the invincible, sparking the flames of Swarajya. A rebel whose courage knew no bounds, he didn’t just rule the land, he conquered hearts, earning the endearing title of ‘Raja Shivaji’. ”

Genelia Deshmukh, producer, Mumbai Film Company added, “Bringing the epic life of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on celluloid has been our long-standing passion. We embark on a noble quest, not merely to produce a film, but to weave a narrative thread that enriches the tapestry of our culture and history. Raja Shivaji is our biggest dream and we couldn’t have found a better partner than Jyoti Deshpande and Jio Studios, who have a legacy of doing the unthinkable. It’s not only a huge honor but immense responsibility, and we seek your good wishes as we pursue our calling”.

Sharing their sentiments on composing the soundtrack, acclaimed music duo Ajay-Atul said, “Even after decades, there is only one king on this Earth, whose presence remains eternally alive in our heart, breath and blood. We are excited as the story of his valor and the thrill of his prowess is poised to resonate globally through this cinematic endeavor. For any artiste to be able to contribute to the legacy of our king is a source of immense pride. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have this golden opportunity to be a part of the homage to the revered king, Raja Shivaji.” Interestingly, Ajay-Atul had composed the song Maay Bhawani for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020), which also featured the Maratha emperor as a major character.

Ace cinematographer Santosh Sivan said, “Raja Shivaji is not just a film, it’s a culmination of passion, dedication and years of meticulous research and scripting by Riteish. Having been invited years ago to photograph this journey, witnessing its materialization is a testament to the power of vision and perseverance in the world of cinema.”

The shoot is set to commence soon, with the makers gearing up to recreate the historical saga on screen. Presented by Jio Studios and made under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, Raja Shivaji is produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh.