AI generated summary, newsroom reviewed
To no one's surprise, Raja Shivaji scripted history on its opening day and continued to shatter records throughout its debut weekend. Produced, written, and directed by Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh, the period drama registered sensational box-office figures, delivering the biggest opening in the history of Marathi cinema.
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Raja Shivaji has grossed approximately ₹40.34 crore worldwide. The film netted ₹11.35 crore on day one—a new record for the industry—followed by a steady Saturday collection of ₹10.55 crore. This minor dip was expected following the massive opening-day holiday in Maharashtra, the film's core territory.
On Sunday, the film clocked its highest single-day collection yet with ₹12 crore, bringing its domestic weekend total to approximately ₹34 crore. Much like the first two days, Sunday's performance was dominated by the Marathi version, which contributed ₹7.75 crore, while the Hindi version added a solid ₹4.25 crore.
With a global gross already exceeding ₹40 crore, Raja Shivaji is on track to challenge the highest-grossing Marathi film of all time: Sairat. Directed by Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, the 2016 romantic tragedy previously set the benchmark with a staggering ₹110 crore worldwide gross.
Raja Shivaji also stars Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Boman Irani, Amol Gupte and Genelia Deshmukh.
With no big releases lined up this week, Raja Shivaji is expected to enjoy an uninterrupted run until the release of the Ayushmann Khurrana-led comedy Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, which is set to open on May 15. The film also stars Sara Ali Khan, Wamiqa Gabbi and Rakul Preet Singh.
Previously, Riteish had stated that he was honoured to chronicle the "extraordinary story" of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, being aware that a film on him is a great responsibility. "Releasing the film on Maharashtra Day feels especially meaningful, and with a cast we could only dream of, we feel truly fortunate," the actor-filmmaker had said.
