When you hear the name Shivaji, what comes to mind? A fearless warrior? A brilliant strategist? Or something deeper—a king who truly cared for his people?

That last question is at the heart of Riteish Deshmukh’s ambitious new Marathi historical drama, Raja Shivaji. Written, directed, and led by Deshmukh himself, the film tries to peel back the layers of the legendary Maratha warrior king. But does it succeed? Partly, yes. But let’s be honest—it stumbles too.

A King Beyond the Battlefield

Most films have shown Shivaji’s military genius—the guerrilla tactics, the outsmarting of mighty foes. But what made him a great king, not just a great soldier?

As Govind Pansare’s powerful book highlights, Shivaji’s true greatness lay in his vision of Swarajya—a self-rule rooted in empathy, justice, and fairness. The common people—farmers and peasants lovingly called Ryot—saw him as their own. That’s why warriors like Tanhaji Malusare and Bajiprabhu Deshpande gave their lives for him. It wasn’t blind loyalty. It was liberation.

Popular culture often remembers Shivaji only as a warlord. Raja Shivaji tries to change that—but only in fleeting moments.

The Moments That Work

In one moving scene, a teenage Shivaji is reduced to tears when an elderly woman dismisses his stature, complaining about destruction caused by Adil Shahi forces. The very next day, he reclaims Pune’s honor by pulling a golden plough across the land—a symbolic act of reassurance.

In another, an enraged Shivaji cuts off the hands of an arrogant Patil for violating a woman.

These moments hint at the king’s humanity. But they come and go too quickly. The soul of Shivaji’s persona never quite settles in.

Where the Film Shines (and Where It Doesn’t)

Let’s start with the positives. Santosh Sivan’s cinematography is breathtaking. The flickering shadows and earthy lighting add depth and dignity to every frame. Unlike Chhaava, which villainized Muslim rulers with a harsh tint, Deshmukh avoids a vile binary—but he also avoids complexity. Shah Jahan and the Adil Shahi rulers are reduced to caricatures, sadly. Fardeen Khan’s Shah Jahan feels like a cartoon villain.

On the other hand, Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan brings genuine menace. He embodies the folkloric evil of Afzal Khan with gusto. And the legendary confrontation between Afzal and Shivaji? That’s where the film roars back to life.

The Afzal Khan Sequence: A Genuine Highlight

After a sluggish middle act, the film reignites with the much-mythologized Pratapgad face-off. Deshmukh shines here—not with sword, but with intellect. Shivaji outthinks Afzal Khan, and the moment he stabs him with the Bagh Nakh (tiger claws) is genuinely thrilling.

The filmmakers layer Afzal as an elephant wanting to conquer the forest—only to be taken down by Shiva, the lion. It’s poetic, well-edited, and emotionally satisfying.

Riteish Deshmukh as Shivaji: Earnest but Not Effortless

Here’s the honest truth: Riteish Deshmukh tries hard. Very hard. But his screen presence doesn’t quite match the popular memory of the Maratha chieftain. No amount of slow-motion shots or operatic Ajay-Atul scores can fully bridge that gap.

Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Bhosle is a sincere surprise, and their brotherly bond drives the first half. But the film takes too long to reveal the adult Shivaji, prioritizing myth-making over emotional resonance.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch Raja Shivaji?

Yes—but with tempered expectations.

If you’re a history buff or a fan of Maratha legacy, you’ll appreciate the film’s intent. The Afzal Khan encounter, the visual poetry, and the rare glimpses of Shivaji’s compassion make it worth a watch. But if you’re seeking a deep inquiry into why Shivaji remains immortal beyond his victories, you may leave wanting more.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Best for: Fans of historical dramas, Riteish Deshmukh admirers, and anyone curious about Swarajya beyond the battlefield.

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