Bombay High Court Clears Path for Riteish Deshmukh's Raja Shivaji Film Release

Legal Victory for Raja Shivaji Ahead of Release

In a significant legal ruling prior to its debut, the Bombay High Court has granted relief to Riteish Deshmukh’s upcoming Marathi-Hindi film Raja Shivaji. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that contested the film's title due to the absence of the honorific 'Chhatrapati' has been dismissed, allowing the film to proceed with its theatrical release. The petition claimed that the title disrespected the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, but the court found the arguments unsubstantiated, labeling the plea as motivated and lacking in true public interest.

Court Rejects PIL Before Raja Shivaji's Premiere

On Thursday, the Bombay High Court dismissed a PIL aimed at halting the release of Raja Shivaji. The petition was submitted by the NGO Sree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Foundation, which objected to the film's title lacking the term 'Chhatrapati.' The petitioners contended that this omission undermined the dignity and historical significance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a celebrated Maratha ruler from the 17th century. They requested that the film be retitled Chhatrapati Raja Shivaji.

A bench led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad dismissed the petition, indicating it did not represent a legitimate public concern. The court noted that the timing of the PIL, filed just two days before the film's release, raised doubts about its intentions. The judges remarked that the film's title was not derogatory towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and emphasized that such petitions could undermine the true purpose of Public Interest Litigation, which is to highlight the issues faced by underrepresented groups.

Arguments from Both Parties

The PIL included several respondents, such as the Union of India, the State of Maharashtra, and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), along with Riteish Deshmukh and the film's producers. Advocate Manoj Kumar Mishra, representing the petitioners, argued that the film's title could offend public sentiments and diminish the cultural and historical significance associated with Shivaji Maharaj.

Conversely, the producers, represented by advocate Shardul Singh, clarified that the film depicts Shivaji's life prior to his coronation in 1674, at which point he was formally given the title 'Chhatrapati.' They also informed the court that a disclaimer regarding this context had been included in the film and approved by the CBFC.

The court acknowledged the evidence presented by the petitioners, which primarily relied on information from Wikipedia. The Bench criticized this approach, stating that such submissions were inadequate to establish a valid legal grievance. It stressed that PILs should not be exploited for personal or motivated agendas. With the PIL dismissed, Raja Shivaji is now scheduled to release as planned on May 1, 2026. The film, which is directed by and stars Riteish Deshmukh, has been in the public eye since its announcement in February 2024, with its release date confirmed well in advance.