EXCLUSIVE: Riteish Deshmukh explains cinema cannot be limited to one format after Dhurandhar success; says, “You cannot blind yourself to the changes”

April 25, 2026 - 1:11 PM IST

Actor-filmmaker Riteish Deshmukh has opened up about the evolving landscape of Hindi cinema while speaking about his upcoming historical film Raja Shivaji. In a recent interaction with Bollywood Hungama, he reflected on how films like Dhurandhar and its follow-up Dhurandhar: The Revenge have introduced a new storytelling approach, while also emphasising that audience preferences remain diverse.

EXCLUSIVE: Riteish Deshmukh explains cinema cannot be limited to one format after Dhurandhar success; says, “You cannot blind yourself to the changes”

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the Dhurandhar duology has been noted for its grounded treatment and expansive narrative. Responding to whether such films change how other large-scale projects are perceived, Riteish said, “I think one has to be really cognisant of the changes happening around you. You cannot blind yourself to the changes. And when something really works, something as fantastic as Dhurandhar or Dhurandhar The Revenge and there is a different narrative, different stories, telling style, different approach and a new hero… new kind of a hero. So, it's always welcome. You feel thrilled about it.”

He further explained that while new formats and styles are encouraging, it would be limiting to assume that only one kind of cinema will succeed. “But I just feel that having said that our audience is so vast and if there is a good story they will come out and watch it and celebrate that too. If there is a particular film, I think it will be really limited on our part to think that only this kind of stories or this kind of stuff is going to work. Because when Dhurandhar came in, it was one of its kind, when Saiyaara came in, it was one of its kind. So, if you look at films that have really worked… when Chhaava came in, no one thought that it would do this kind of business for that genre.”

Highlighting the broader takeaway, he added, “So, eventually all these films have set benchmarks for themselves and also it goes to prove that, look at the larger picture. Like we have audience who would love all these kind of cinemas. So, we shouldn't limit ourselves to think that okay audience will like only this kind of cinema. If you think that it's a good film and people have loved it, people come and watch it.”

Raja Shivaji marks an ambitious project for Riteish Deshmukh, who has not only played Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but has also directed and co-written the film. Scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, the film traces the journey of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from his early years to the establishment of Swarajya.

The film features a large ensemble cast, including Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan and a special appearance by Salman Khan. It will release in Marathi and Hindi, with a wider dubbed release in Telugu.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Raja Shivaji is 3 hours 15 minutes long; joins elite club of Animal, Pushpa 2, Dhurandhar, Border 2; CBFC replaces child violence visual in Riteish Deshmukh-starrer