Actor and filmmaker Riteish Deshmukh has stirred fresh buzz around his upcoming historical film Raja Shivaji after making a notable revelation on television. While hosting a recent episode of Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6, Riteish confirmed that Bollywood star Salman Khan will be part of the project.
During the show, Riteish stated that Salman Khan will be seen in a major role in the film. Raja Shivaji, which is based on the life of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is already among the most anticipated films in development.
The trailer of the film was released today. Led by Riteish Deshmukh, who also directs, writes, and produces the film, is based on the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The project features a large ensemble cast, including Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan, Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Shahaji Maharaj, Sachin Khedekar as Shahaji Raje Bhosale, Bhagyashree as Jijabai, Vidya Balan as Badi Begum, Fardeen Khan as Shah Jahan, Jitendra Joshi as Pant, Amol Gupte as Adilshah, and Genelia Deshmukh as Sai Bai.
The film is presented by Jio Studios and produced under the banner of Mumbai Film Company by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh. Raja Shivaji is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2026, in both Marathi and Hindi.
The promo offers a glimpse of the film’s scale with visually grand sequences. Raja Shivaji traces the life of the Maratha warrior king, with Abhishek portraying his elder brother in the film. Riteish Deshmukh has reportedly been developing the project for nearly 25 years.
While further details about Salman Khan’s role and the film’s release timeline have not yet been officially announced, the confirmation has added to the growing interest surrounding the project.
Meanwhile, Vidya Balan, who is part of the cast, had told The Hollywood Reporter India earlier, that Deshmukh surprised her with his fluid, actor-friendly directing style. “It helps that he’s also an actor because the way he directed me was almost seamless, it felt like a conversation between two actors. I really enjoyed that,” she shared. “And I think what they’re attempting to do with this one is really fantastic. I’m very happy to be a part of it.”