Jyoti Deshpande says Raja Shivaji is a story beyond language, rooted in emotion and history

April 21, 2026 - 3:23 PM IST

Jio Studios President Jyoti Deshpande has shared insights into the making of Raja Shivaji, positioning it as a story rooted in Indian history with a universal emotional appeal. The film, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is among the most anticipated historical projects of the year.

Jyoti Deshpande says Raja Shivaji is a story beyond language, rooted in emotion and history

Speaking at the trailer launch, Deshpande revealed that the project has been in development for several years. “I set up Jio Studios in 2018, and since then, we’ve been discussing this film. I used to keep telling Riteish that the time will come, and we will make it,” she said, referring to her long-standing collaboration with Riteish Deshmukh, who directs, produces, and stars in the film.

Highlighting the vision behind the project, she added, “I’ve always said that my focus through our films is how we can celebrate our country, our culture, our history, and our mythology.” Deshpande emphasised that the intention behind a film plays a crucial role in its outcome. “When the intent is right, the purpose is right, and the right people come together with that intent, the result is always good,” she said.

She also spoke about the film’s broader appeal beyond language barriers. “A story is an emotion, and emotion does not need a language, no matter which language you watch it in, you will feel the same emotion,” Deshpande noted, describing the film as “language agnostic.”

Raja Shivaji features a large ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Boman Irani, and Genelia Deshmukh, among others. Produced by Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, the film is set to release in cinemas worldwide on May 1, 2026, in Marathi and Hindi.

Also Read: Riteish Deshmukh gets emotional as trailer of Raja Shivaji drops: “For ten years, I have been trying to make Raja Shivaji”