Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple before Raja Shivaji release, perform aarti, interact with fans, and celebrate cultural traditions as anticipation builds for the historical epic’s global theatrical debut on May 1.
A spiritual visit ahead of a major cinematic release drew public attention as actors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh sought divine blessings at the revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple. The visit comes just days before the global theatrical debut of their ambitious historical biopic Raja Shivaji, scheduled for May 1.
The couple participated in traditional rituals at the temple, performing aarti in the presence of priests and local devotees. Their visit quickly turned into a celebratory event, as villagers gathered in large numbers to witness the moment. The atmosphere was filled with cultural vibrancy, highlighted by energetic dhol-tasha performances that marked their arrival.
Women dressed in traditional navvari sarees lined the premises, adding a festive and authentic Maharashtrian touch to the occasion. A specially designed rangoli inspired by Raja Shivaji further enhanced the visual appeal of the welcome, symbolizing respect and anticipation for the upcoming film.
Following the rituals, Riteish and Genelia interacted with fans, expressing gratitude for the support and enthusiasm surrounding the project. The temple visit not only reflected their personal faith but also served as a symbolic gesture connecting the film’s theme with cultural roots and historical reverence.
Directed by Riteish Deshmukh himself, Raja Shivaji stands as one of the most ambitious projects of his career. In addition to directing, he has also written, produced, and portrayed the titular role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film aims to bring to life the legacy of the legendary warrior king, who founded the Maratha Empire and challenged dominant powers such as the Mughal Empire and Deccan Sultanates.
The film features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Boman Irani, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, and Amol Gupte.
Backed by Jio Studios and produced under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, the project is supported by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh. The cinematography has been handled by Santosh Sivan, while editing responsibilities were led by Urvashi Saxena.
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The narrative of Raja Shivaji revisits key historical events, including the 1663 raid on Pune led by Shivaji against Mughal general Shaista Khan, a strategic move that significantly weakened Mughal influence in the region. The film aims to present these moments with cinematic grandeur and historical depth.
Set for a multilingual release in Marathi, Hindi, and Telugu, Raja Shivaji is expected to attract audiences across India and globally. The devotional visit by the lead actors has further amplified public interest, blending spirituality, culture, and cinema into a powerful pre-release moment.
