What to Expect from Riteish Deshmukh's Epic Film Raja Shivaji: Runtime Differences Revealed!
Raja Shivaji Set for Grand Premiere
Riteish Deshmukh's eagerly awaited film, Raja Shivaji, is just around the corner, with its release set for May 1. This ambitious historical film tells the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and is being hailed as the most expensive Marathi film to date. However, an interesting twist has surfaced regarding its release.
Differences in Runtime Between Versions
Hindi Version Shorter Than Marathi
Raja Shivaji will debut in both Marathi and Hindi, but unlike most multilingual films, these versions will not share the same runtime. The Marathi edition has received its censor certification on April 24, clocking in at 195.05 minutes, which is equivalent to 3 hours and 15 minutes. In contrast, the Hindi version is 8 minutes shorter, offering a more concise viewing experience for Hindi audiences.
The Hindi cut was certified by the CBFC on April 28, receiving a U/A 16+ rating. Both versions are now cleared for their significant launch on Maharashtra Day.
Creative Choices Behind the Edits
According to reports, Riteish Deshmukh has opted for a more streamlined edit for the Hindi audience, likely due to the expectation that Marathi viewers will be more invested in the film's narrative. This difference in runtime was also reflected in the trailers, with the Marathi trailer lasting 3 minutes and 5 seconds, while the Hindi version is slightly shorter at 2 minutes and 59 seconds.
Cast and Production Details
Star-Studded Cast and Production Insights
In Raja Shivaji, Riteish Deshmukh takes on the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with his son Rahyl Deshmukh portraying the younger version of the character, adding a personal touch to the film. The cast features notable actors such as Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan, Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji, and Fardeen Khan as Aurangzeb. Genelia Deshmukh plays Saibai, while Bhagyashree appears as Jijabai. The film also includes performances from Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte, with a special cameo by Salman Khan.
With a production budget estimated at Rs 100 crore, Raja Shivaji is set to be a landmark release in Marathi cinema, making it one of the most anticipated films of 2026.