Raja Shivaji Sets Marathi Opening Record with ₹43.66 cr
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- Raja Shivaji grossed INR43.66 crore ($4.6 million) in its opening weekend, the biggest in Marathi cinema history.
- Raja Shivaji overtook previous record‑holders such as “Sairat” ($1.3 million) and “Timepass 2”/“Mauli” ($1.2 million each) for the highest opening weekend.
- Raja Shivaji now ranks No. 7 among all‑time Marathi grossers, trailing “Sairat,” “Baipan Bhari Deva,” “Ved,” “Pawankhind,” “Natsamrat” and “Lai Bhaari.”
- Riteish Deshmukh directs and stars as the young Shivaji Bhonsale, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Boman Irani, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupte and Genelia Deshmukh.
- Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company produced the film, featuring music by Ajay‑Atul and cinematography by Santosh Sivan, and it released worldwide on May 1 in Marathi and Hindi.
- Maharashtra saw packed cinemas and strong footfalls, and the Hindi‑language version also gained traction across markets.
Why it matters: The record opening delivers a financial windfall for Jio Studios, Mumbai Film Company and Maharashtra exhibitors, confirming that high‑budget Marathi productions can rival Hindi‑language blockbusters and encouraging further investment in regional cinema. It also underscores Riteish Deshmukh’s success as both director and star, and the Hindi version’s traction across markets.
