Mumbai, April 2 – Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who will be seen in the upcoming historical epic ‘Raja Shivaji’, is revisiting the memories that led to the start of his friendship with actor-director Riteish Deshmukh.
The film marks a new chapter in Abhishek’s friendship with Riteish Deshmukh, making it his first Marathi film. The recently released first look teaser of ‘Raja Shivaji’ features Abhishek Bachchan in the role of Sambhaji Shahaji Raje Bhosle. In the video, Abhishek is seen wearing a warrior's attire, roaring on the battlefield, and upholding his bond with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, promising a spectacle that goes beyond the battles.
For Abhishek Bachchan, ‘Raja Shivaji’ is more than just a grand cinematic offering; it marks his first-ever Marathi film, a bold step in his diverse filmography.
Speaking about the film, he said, “It’s my first Marathi film. Riteish, whom I consider my brother, has been dreaming of this since the first time I met him about 25 years ago in Latur. I was shooting there for my film, 'Zameen'. And Riteish was just starting his career in the film industry, and he came to hang out with Ajay Devgn and me, who were also shooting, and that's where our friendship began. And since then, we have collaborated on several films”.
The actor recalled a moment when he visited Riteish Deshmukh’s residence, where the actor revealed his “dream” to go beyond acting, to direct and make a film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
“So, this is a dream he has harboured and worked on for several years. Riteish has arguably made the most ambitious Marathi film made till date. I have no doubt about the kind of director he is, which he has already proven in his last film. He's going to do something that is going to become a cornerstone for Marathi cinema. And I'm so happy for him, so happy to be a part of it, to be a part of telling this story. And I hope everyone enjoys the film because I really think it's going to be a seminal moment for Marathi cinema,” he added.
Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, ‘Raja Shivaji’ is set to release in cinemas on May 1, 2026, in Marathi, Hindi and Telugu.
