Abhishek Bachchan has showered praise on Riteish Deshmukh’s ambitious directorial venture Raja Shivaji, calling it the actor-turned-filmmaker’s long-cherished dream. During a recent promotional chat, Abhishek shared a personal anecdote from a visit to Riteish’s home, where the Housefull star opened up about his passion to step behind the camera and honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the big screen.
Recalling the heartfelt moment, Abhishek described how Riteish confided his aspirations to transcend acting stardom. “He revealed his dream to go beyond acting, to direct and make a film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Abhishek said, emphasizing the project’s deep roots in Riteish’s vision. This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment idea—Riteish has nurtured it for years, pouring heart and hustle into what Abhishek dubs “arguably the most ambitious Marathi film to date.”
Abhishek’s confidence stems from Riteish’s proven track record. The Ved director, who helmed that 2022 Marathi blockbuster, has already showcased his storytelling chops. “I have no doubt about the kind of director that he is, which he has already proven in his last film,” Abhishek gushed. He predicts Raja Shivaji will etch itself as a “cornerstone for Marathi cinema,” blending grand scale with emotional depth to elevate regional storytelling globally.
Thrilled to join the cast, Abhishek expressed pure joy: “I’m so, so happy for him, so happy to be a part of it, be part of telling the story.” The film promises a riveting portrayal of the legendary Maratha warrior-king, whose valor against the Mughals inspires generations. With Riteish wielding the megaphone and a stellar ensemble including Abhishek, expect sweeping battle sequences, intricate historical details, and a tribute to Shivaji’s legacy of courage and strategy.
This collaboration marks another high-profile Bollywood-Marathi crossover, following successes like Ved and Lakshya. Abhishek, no stranger to pan-Indian projects via Ghoomer and I Want to Talk, brings his nuanced intensity to the period drama. “I hope everybody likes the film because I really think it’s going to be a seminal moment for Marathi cinema,” he wrapped up, urging fans to embrace this epic.
As Raja Shivaji gears up—eyeing a late 2026 release—Riteish’s evolution from comic hero to visionary director cements his stature. Abhishek’s endorsement underscores the film’s potential to redefine Marathi cinema’s ambitions, one historic frame at a time.