At the trailer launch of ‘Raja Shivaji’, emotions ran high as Riteish Deshmukh spoke passionately about his dream project on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Standing beside him, Genelia Deshmukh was visibly moved.
Image Source: Instagram
Genelia Deshmukh stood beside her husband Riteish Deshmukh, trying her best to stay composed. But emotions got the better of her. As Riteish spoke from the heart about his dream project based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Genelia became visibly emotional. At one point, she even turned away from the cameras, quietly wiping away tears so the media wouldn’t catch her breaking down.
Riteish Deshmukh didn’t hold back his emotions while speaking to the media about ‘Raja Shivaji’. He admitted something very honest that no matter how big the film or how talented the team is, no one can ever fully capture the greatness of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
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He said, “Even if there are millions of films in this world, and even the best directors in this world, nobody can make a single film about Maharaj that will do complete justice to him. His name, his fame, the love people have for him is much more important than our actions. We can only make an honest effort.”
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He added that dreams are easy to imagine, but difficult to turn into reality. “A dream is very easy. What is there in a dream? It is easy to see. But to make it come true, we have to stand together. To make it happen, self-confidence is the key. I feel this dream, which I have seen, has come true.”
Riteish also said that on behalf of the entire team, he offers the film as a humble tribute. “In front of God, I would like to keep this film at the feet of Maharaj as an honest effort,” he said.
While Riteish spoke, Genelia Deshmukh’s reaction became a moment of its own. Standing quietly beside him, she was seen struggling to hold back tears. As the speech continued, she turned away from the media, trying to hide her emotional state.
The upcoming film ‘Raja Shivaji’ is a large-scale historical drama that focuses on the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the birth of Swarajya. The story aims to capture both the struggle and the inspiration behind one of India’s most powerful historical figures.
The film features a strong ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Boman Irani, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh, and Riteish Deshmukh.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India, is remembered for challenging the Deccan Sultanates and the Mughal Empire. His historic actions include the 1663 raid on Pune targeting Mughal general Shaista Khan, and the 1664 attack on Surat, a major Mughal port, which disrupted imperial trade and strengthened his position.
Presented by Jio Studios, the film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under Mumbai Film Company. ‘Raja Shivaji’ is set for a worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2026.
It will release in Marathi, Hindi, and Telugu.
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