Ritesh Deshmukh is in the headlines these days for his film 'Raja Shivaji'. According to him, this film is not just a period drama, but an attempt to bring the bravery and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the big screen. In the interview given to Dainik Bhaskar, Ritesh made many shocking and emotional revelations. During this time, he not only talked about the film, but also told about the fees of the stars working in it. Riteish Deshmukh also revealed why it took him 10 years to make this film.
Riteish Deshmukh told that stars like Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Boman Irani and Fardeen Khan did not take any fee for this film. Not only this, instead of fee, Abhishek Bachchan asked Ritesh for a 'thecha' made by his mother. According to Ritesh, "Abhishek said- I don't want money, I just want the contract made by your mother." Riteish revealed that he and Genelia also did not take any fees for acting, direction or production. According to him, all the actors accepted to be a part of this film out of respect and faith in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Regarding Salman Khan's cameo, Riteish Deshmukh told in the interview that he himself had told him, "If you are making a film, then write a role for me also. You will not make a film without me." Ritesh told that Salman's love and support had made him very emotional. He designed the character of 'Jeeva Mahale' especially keeping in mind Salman's screen presence. Ritesh said that now when photos and videos of Salman's character are going viral on social media, he is feeling extremely satisfied and happy as a director.
Ritesh Deshmukh told that he had dreamed of making 'Raja Shivaji' about 10 years ago. Continuous efforts were made from 2016 to 2019, but due to various reasons the film could not move forward. Then the Covid pandemic stopped the entire plan. Finally, work on the film started again in 2023 and now it will be released in 2026. Ritesh said that for him Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a historical personality but the first superhero. He said that people's emotions and faith are attached to Shivaji Maharaj, hence it was the biggest responsibility to bring his history on the screen in the right way.
'Raja Shivaji' is released in theaters on 1 May 2026. This film had collected approximately Rs 12.4 crore on the first day. The collection of the film in the first week has reached Rs 57.7 crore. According to koimoi.com, the film has been produced at a cost of approximately Rs 75 crore. According to this, in the second week this film will recover its budget and join the list of successful films.
