Riteish Deshmukh has officially confirmed that Salman Khan will feature in his ambitious historical drama Raja Shivaji, instantly elevating the film’s scale and fan excitement. The announcement has quickly caught attention online, turning the project into one of the most talked-about upcoming period films.
Big Reveal Made on Reality Show
The confirmation came during an episode of Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6, where Riteish, who is currently hosting the show, addressed the audience directly. In a brief but impactful moment, he revealed that Salman Khan is set to play a major role in the film.
This announcement has effectively put an end to ongoing speculation and has added significant star power to a project that was already generating curiosity.
A Grand Retelling of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Story
Raja Shivaji is a historical drama centered on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of India’s most respected warrior kings. The film aims to capture his journey as a visionary leader, strategist, and symbol of resistance.
Riteish Deshmukh is not just leading the film as an actor but is also directing it, making this a deeply personal and ambitious project for him. The narrative is expected to highlight key moments from Shivaji Maharaj’s life while presenting them on a grand cinematic scale.
Salman Khan’s Role Kept Under Wraps
While Salman Khan’s involvement is now confirmed, the makers are maintaining complete secrecy around his character. This has sparked strong speculation among fans, with many guessing that he could portray Jiva Mahala, a loyal and fearless associate of Shivaji Maharaj.
However, there has been no official confirmation on this front, and the team appears keen to keep this aspect under wraps for now.
Big twist incoming 🚨
Riteish Deshmukh confirms Salman Khan joins Raja Shivaji in a pivotal role.
A historical action drama just got a massive power boost. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/p7nTZoF7gO
— Suraj Choudhary (@bollywoodbroo) April 20, 2026
Massive Ensemble Cast Adds Weight
The film boasts a strong ensemble lineup. Alongside Riteish Deshmukh and Salman Khan, the cast includes Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, and Genelia Deshmukh.
Supporting roles will be played by a mix of seasoned performers such as Mahesh Manjrekar, Amol Gupte, Bhagyashree, Jitendra Joshi, Boman Irani, Sachin Khedekar, and Fardeen Khan.
This wide-ranging cast suggests that the film is aiming for a rich, layered narrative with multiple key characters.
Music and Pan-India Ambitions
The music for Raja Shivaji is being composed by the acclaimed duo Ajay-Atul, known for delivering powerful and emotionally driven soundtracks.
With Salman Khan joining the cast, the film appears to be positioning itself as a pan-India release, targeting audiences across regions. The combination of a historical subject, star power, and large-scale production indicates that the makers are aiming for both critical and commercial impact.
Salman Khan To Play Key Role In Raja Shivaji, Confirms Riteish Deshmukh #SalmanKhan #RiteishDeshmukh #RajaShivaji #EntertainmentNews #Bollywood https://t.co/o4KSPeNmmW
— ABP LIVE (@abplive) April 20, 2026
Release Date Locked
Raja Shivaji is slated for a theatrical release on May 1. With the latest casting confirmation, anticipation around the film is expected to grow even further in the coming months.
