Riteish Deshmukh has turned emotional as his directorial‑cum‑acting outing Raja Shivaji, a historical saga on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, opens to a strong audience response across theatres. Bowing to patrons, the actor‑director has also issued a heartfelt plea to fans not to spoil the film for others by posting clips or key plot points online.
Fans’ love and opening buzz
Raja Shivaji hit cinemas on May 1 and has already reported a solid opening, with reports pegging its Day‑1 collections around ₹11 crore, outpacing the first‑day numbers of earlier historical titles in some circuits. Trade analysts and entertainment outlets highlight that the film’s emotional treatment of the Maratha warrior, combined with Riteish’s restrained performance, has struck a chord with audiences, especially in Maharashtra and Hindi‑belt multiplexes.
“Please don’t ruin the experience”
In a candid video message posted on Instagram, Riteish speaks directly to the audience in Marathi, thanking them for watching the film in cinemas and for the overwhelming support. He then gently requests viewers not to upload any videos or reveal spoilers on social media, stressing that the big‑screen experience should remain intact for those who have yet to see the film.
Surprise cameos and deeper connect
The film’s buzz has also revolved around the much‑talked‑about special appearances by Salman Khan, playing loyal aide Jeeva Mahala, and Sanjay Dutt, whose roles have been described as pivotal to the final act. Early screenings have led to some unauthorised clips and spoilers leaking online, which prompted Riteish’s public appeal, underscoring his desire to protect the narrative’s emotional arc and the grand scale of the production