Actor-director Riteish Deshmukh, on Monday, announced his next directorial venture titled Raja Shivaji, based on the life of Maratha empire founder Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The Marathi-Hindi bilingual is set to bring to life the journey of a young Shivaji Maharaj, who rebelled against the mighty powers and eventually went on to become the revered Raja Shivaji, according to a press release issued by the makers.
The 45-year-old actor-director, who will also play the titular role of Maharashtra’s greatest warrior, said it was his dream to make a film on Chhatrapati Shivaji.
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not a mere historical figure; he is an emotion, a timeless saga of valour, and a beacon of hope that has illuminated hearts for over three and a half centuries. A rebel whose courage knew no bounds, he didn’t just rule land, he conquered hearts, earning the endearing title of Raja Shivaji,” Riteish, who directed the 2022 successful Marathi film, Ved, said in a statement.
On the eve of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj jayanti, on Sunday, the actor also unveiled the poster of Raja Shivaji. The historical action drama is produced by Jio Studios and Deshmukh’s home production banner Mumbai Film Company.
Deshmukh’s actor wife Genelia, who serves as a producer, said binging the life story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been their “biggest dream”. “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. It’s not only a huge honour but immense responsibility, and we seek your good wishes as we pursue our calling,” Genelia said.
Also read: Actor Riteish Deshmukh breaks down Vilasrao statue inauguration
Jyoti Deshpande, president, Media & Entertainment, RIL said, they are proud to associate with Riteish and Genelia in bringing the story of Raja Shivaji. “Raja Shivaji embodies this vision, it’s not just a regional tale, it’s a culturally rooted narrative designed to transcend languages and regions,” Riteish said.
The cinematography is by Santosh Sivan and noted music composer duo Ajay and Atul will score the music for the movie. According to the makers, the filming of Raja Shivaji will begin this year. Two more films are in the pipeline on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one featuring Akshay Kumar with Mahesh Manjrekar attached as a director and another being made by Sandeep Singh.
In the inauguration Program of statue of Late Vilasrao Deshmukh Riteish Deshmukh gets emotional while talking about his father Vilasrao Deshmukh ji .@Riteishd pic.twitter.com/hEQFkYMxQW
— Surbhi (@SurrbhiM) February 18, 2024
In a viral video which has surfaced online, the Masti actor broke down as he delivered an emotional speech while remembering his late father and former Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, at a function held in Maharashtra’s Latur. He was consoled by his brother Amit. The actor and his family were present in the district for the inaugural ceremony of his father Vilasrao’s statue. His mother Vaishali was also seen teary-eyed.
“It has been 12 years since my father passed away,” said an emotional Riteish. Calling the monumental loss ‘tough’ for the Deshmukh family, he continued, “Tough 12 years have passed since Saheb left us. Occasionally, the pain surfaces. He always used to shine, and even now, he shines. This shine never fades. He stayed strong, so that we, his children, feel the need to stand tall. To stand tall not just for ourselves, but for the responsibilities that come with being his children. Today, although he is not physically present, his love for us is evident, and it burns brightly on this stage.”
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