Riteish Deshmukh is synonymous with a powerhouse of talent. With years of work in Bollywood films and Marathi cinema, he has evolved into a versatile performer—playing every character as if it were his real personality, ranging from comedy and drama to intense roles. But now the actor has taken a bold step by exploring his directorial skills with his upcoming film Raja Shivaji, which he not only directs but also stars in, playing the central character, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The talented star marked his directorial debut with the 2022 Marathi film Ved, which also starred him and his actress wife, Genelia D’Souza. The film became a superhit and also became the second-highest-grossing Marathi film ever. And with Raja Shivaji, the actor has explored his directorial skills, and to be honest, his work is praiseworthy.
The trailer for his upcoming film, Raja Shivaji, pretty much suggests he has largely succeeded with his storytelling. His vision, the ability to transcend one into the era of Shivaji and mount a grand narrative, shows his evolution from actor to filmmaker. From the detailed looks and emotional beats to the goosebumps-inducing shots, everything shows that Riteish understands the responsibility that comes with portraying historical and culturally important stories.
While Riteish’s directional skills are undoubtedly impressive, his portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has sparked conversations, prompting a question: Will the audience accept Riteish as Shivaji? We all know the big responsibility that comes with playing a character like Shivaji, who isn’t just a historical figure but an icon; it wouldn’t be unfair to say people revere him as God, not just in Maharashtra but across the country. And with this, audiences carry preconceived notions about how Shivaji’s personality should look, speak, and command presence on-screen. And this is the critical point.
But one should also note that Riteish, as an actor, has always done justice to his roles, whether playing a deadly serial killer Rakesh Mahadkar in Ek Villain, a funny, hilarious character in films like Dhamaal and Malamaal Weekly, or an intense portrayal in films like Lai Bhaari and Mauli. As an actor, he brings sincerity and dedication to the role, but despite his versatility, viewers might find it challenging to separate his established persona on-screen, from comic and contemporary roles, to transition into the fierce, authoritative, and powerful image of Shivaji.
And so it all depends on how convincingly Riteish transforms himself, from appearance, voice, to expressions to match up to the aura of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. While his direction is already receiving applause, and the trailer looks impressive in terms of acting, only time will tell whether his portrayal strikes a chord with the audience.
The movie releases on 1st May and is backed by Jio Studios.
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