Raja Shivaji Review {4.0/5} & Review Rating
Star Cast: Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Abhishek A Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt
Director: Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh
Raja Shivaji Movie Review Synopsis:
RAJA SHIVAJI is the story of India’s great warrior. Shivaji Bhosle (Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh) lives in Pune with his mother Jijabai (Bhagyashree), wife Saibai (Genelia Deshmukh) and others. His father, Shahaji (Sachin Khedekar), is under the control of Adil Shah (Amole Gupte) of Bijapur. Jijabai advises Shahaji to revolt against Adil Shah and free the region from his clutches, as well as from the control of Nizam Shah and the Mughals. However, Shahaji doesn’t approve of the idea. Shivaji, meanwhile, dreams of Swarajya and begins capturing forts around Pune. Adil Shah initially ignores it, but soon, Shivaji spreads his wings. With no other option, and at the insistence of Begum Khadija (Vidya Balan), Adil Shah sends his most ruthless commander, Afzal Khan (Sanjay Dutt), to finish off Shivaji. What happens next forms the rest of the film.
Raja Shivaji Movie Story Review:
Ajit Wadikar, Sandeep Patil and Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh's story is detailed and touches upon the key incidents of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life. Ajit Wadikar, Sandeep Patil and Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh's screenplay is peppered with highly dramatic, massy and emotional sequences that keep the interest going. However, the writing could have been tighter. Prajakt Deshmukh's dialogues (additional dialogues by Jaideep Yadav) are sharp.
Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh's direction is mass-appealing. From the very start, Adilshah and Nizamshah are shown to be backstabbers and inhumane. Hence, viewers immediately feel a lot of anger towards them and would root for their downfall. The actor-filmmaker executes certain scenes creatively. The scene where the enemy army attacks Pune residents during the Dussehra celebration is shocking. The character of the old woman contributes big time and kudos to Riteish for using her well to drive the story forward. Interestingly, in DHURANDHAR style, the film is divided into 8 chapters and names of characters are mentioned during their entry scenes. The rise of Raja Shivaji is displayed with full valour. Riteish reserves the best for the last 30 minutes when the much-awaited face-off takes place between Shivaji and Afzal Khan. The entire track is very massy, and it would lead to a frenzy in cinemas.
On the flipside, the film’s major issue is its runtime. At 195 minutes, it could have easily been shorter by at least 15 minutes. The interest dips in the middle portions of both halves. Also, the adult Shivaji’s entry happens only around the 55-minute mark. For the main hero to enter so late is a bit much, especially for the mass audience.
Raja Shivaji Movie Review Performances:
Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh brings the required gravitas and royal flavour to his performance. He also looks quite convincing in the action scenes. Sanjay Dutt is aptly cast as the villain. After DHURANDHAR, this is his yet another memorable performance. Abhishek A Bachchan (Sambhaji aka Shambhu) is very massy. His scenes will be greeted with claps and whistles. Performance-wise, he’s first-rate. Genelia Deshmukh keeps her act subtle yet impactful. Bhagyashree is a surprise and gives a well fleshed out performance. Vidya Balan performs ably and the way she uses her acidic tongue to get things done is entertaining. Amole Gupte is too good and also raises laughs in a crucial scene. Fardeen Khan (Shahajahan) is wasted. It’s a role that didn’t suit the actor of his stature. Sachin Khedekar is dependable, while Jitendra Joshi (Pant Gopinaath Bokil) leaves a huge mark. The actors playing the old lady, Faryad Khan, Chandrarao, Kanhoji Jedhe and young and teenage Shivaji deliver fine performances. Boman Irani (Peer Baba) is praiseworthy. Salman Khan (Jiva Mahala) is superb in a cameo.
Raja Shivaji movie music and other technical aspects:
Ajay-Atul's music is celebratory. 'Chhatrapati' delivers goosebumps and is quite catchy. 'Jai Shivrai' is also fine.
John Stewart Eduri's background score enhances the impact. Manoj Lobo's cinematography is appropriate. Nikhil Kovale, Apurva Bhagat, Shashank Tere's production design adds a classy touch and the same goes for Rushi Sharma, Manoshi Nath and Pournima Oak's costumes. Dawid Szatarski and Manohar Verma's action is mass-friendly, but it’s also disturbing. Assemblage Entertainment's VFX could have been better. Urvashi Saxena's editing should have been crisper.
Raja Shivaji Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, RAJA SHIVAJI pays a fine ode to one of India’s greatest kings and works due to its execution, abundance of drama, emotion, mass-appealing moments and a climax that is sure to lead to a frenzy in cinemas. At the box office, it is all set to run riot in Maharashtra and also has the potential to pick up significantly in other territories.