For years, a three-hour runtime was considered a box-office risk, but recent blockbusters like Animal, Pushpa 2, and Border 2 have proven that audiences will embrace long-form storytelling if the content is compelling. The upcoming historical epic Raja Shivaji is the latest to join this elite league of mega-length cinema.
The Marathi version of the film, directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, officially completed its censor process on April 24. With a confirmed duration of 195 minutes (3 hours, 15 minutes, and 5 seconds), it stands alongside recent marathon hits like Dhurandhar as one of the longest major releases in recent years.
CBFC Certification and Modifications
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted the film a U/A 16+ certificate, though the Examining Committee requested several adjustments to ensure historical accuracy and sensitivity:
The makers were required to provide documentation for all historical references and add specific dates and text slates for key events. A more detailed disclaimer with a voiceover was mandated, along with a clarification regarding the choice of the title Raja Shivaji. There were only two minor visual changes. Most notably, a graphic shot of a child’s throat being slit was replaced with a more appropriate sequence.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
Produced by Mumbai Film Company and Jio Studios, the film features a massive cast led by Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The supporting cast includes a blend of Hindi and Marathi cinema veterans:
- Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Vidya Balan
- Genelia Deshmukh, Fardeen Khan, and Bhagyashree
- Sachin Khedekar, Amole Gupte, and Jitendra Joshi
Release Outlook
By following the trend of long-duration “event” films, Raja Shivaji is positioning itself as a comprehensive historical biography rather than a standard action drama. The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, and is expected to be one of the most significant cinematic tributes to the Maratha empire ever produced.
