From Bollywood Queen to Historical Saga: Vidya Balan Joins 'Raja Shivaji'!

Mumbai, India: The highly anticipated historical epic, "Raja Shivaji," is set to become an even grander affair with the official confirmation of acclaimed actress Vidya Balan joining its already stellar ensemble cast. This exciting development further amplifies the buzz around Riteish Deshmukh's dream project, which aims to bring the glorious life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to a pan-Indian audience.

Produced by Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, "Raja Shivaji" is not just a film but a passionate endeavor by Riteish Deshmukh, who not only takes on the titular role of the legendary Maratha warrior but also marks his directorial debut with this magnum opus. The film is slated for a grand release on May 1, 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, adding a symbolic touch to its release.

Vidya Balan's inclusion is a significant boost to the film's star power and artistic depth. Known for her powerful and nuanced performances, from the iconic "Manjulika" in "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" to critically acclaimed roles in films like "Kahaani" and "Dirty Picture," Balan is expected to portray a pivotal character that will leave a lasting impact. Sources close to the production reveal that Vidya was instantly drawn to the script and the historical significance of the project, committing to it with enthusiasm. She has reportedly already completed her look test and is set to commence shooting in the coming weeks.

The film already boasts an impressive lineup of talent, including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh. Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Fardeen Khan are reportedly set to portray significant Mughal characters, promising intense confrontations with Shivaji.

"Raja Shivaji" is envisioned as a truly pan-Indian film, planned for release in six languages: Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. This multilingual approach aims to connect with a wider audience and pay a fitting tribute to one of India's greatest historical figures. The film's makers are committed to presenting an honest and sincere portrayal of Shivaji's life, driven by a deep emotional connection to the subject.

With cinematography by the renowned Santosh Sivan and music by the celebrated duo Ajay-Atul, "Raja Shivaji" promises to be a visual and auditory spectacle. The production is currently in full swing, with shooting progressing at a rapid pace.

The addition of Vidya Balan underscores the ambition and scale of "Raja Shivaji," positioning it as one of the most anticipated historical films in Indian cinema. Her presence, coupled with the existing stellar cast and Riteish Deshmukh's vision, sets the stage for a truly cinematic and historically resonant experience that audiences across the nation will eagerly await.