Riteish Deshmukh's 'Raja Shivaji' Breaks Records: A New Era for Marathi Cinema!

Riteish Deshmukh's directorial debut, 'Raja Shivaji,' has made history by becoming the first Marathi film to surpass the 100 crore mark at the Indian box office. Surpassing the previous record held by 'Sairat,' this film has garnered significant attention and acclaim. With a total gross of 100.97 crore, it showcases the potential of regional cinema to achieve remarkable commercial success. As it continues to perform well despite competition, the film's journey is being closely watched, marking a new era for Marathi films and inspiring future filmmakers in the industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 11:36 IST

Historic Achievement for Marathi Film Industry

Riteish Deshmukh has made a remarkable entry into the world of directing with his film "Raja Shivaji," which has achieved the unprecedented feat of being the first Marathi film to cross the 100 crore milestone at the Indian box office. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it surpasses the previous record held by "Sairat," which fell short by nearly 10 crore. The film's success is a significant moment for the Marathi film industry, heralding a new chapter of accomplishments for regional cinema.

As of the 24th day of its release, "Raja Shivaji" has garnered approximately 1.30 crore, with 1.1 crore from its Marathi version and an additional 20 lakh from Hindi-speaking audiences. Despite facing stiff competition from "Deool Band 2," which has also received favorable reviews, "Raja Shivaji" has shown resilience at the box office. Produced with a budget of 75 crore, the film has amassed a total of 100.97 crore in just over three weeks.

This financial success translates to a return on investment of 25.97%, equating to a profit margin of around 34.6%. According to industry norms, a film is considered a hit when it earns double its production cost, meaning "Raja Shivaji" would need to reach 150 crore to be classified as such. Given the current competition and the positive reception of "Deool Band 2," reaching this target may be a tough challenge.

With a total gross of 100.97 crore, "Raja Shivaji" has established a new standard for Marathi cinema, demonstrating the potential for regional films to achieve remarkable commercial success. The film's box office journey will be closely observed, especially as audiences continue to respond positively to its historical narrative and production quality.

As the film continues its theatrical run, it will be fascinating to see how far "Raja Shivaji" can go and what this achievement signifies for future Marathi productions. The film not only underscores the rising popularity of regional cinema but also sets a benchmark for aspiring filmmakers in the industry. The excitement surrounding this milestone is palpable, and the industry is keenly awaiting further developments.