4.0

Movie: Raja Shivaji (ताठ कणा) Rating: 4/5 UA Genres: Action,Drama,Historical Duration: 187 min Studio:   Jio Studio, Mumbai Film Company Writer: Riteish Deshmukh Producers: Genelia Riteish Deshmukh Director: Riteish Deshmukh Cinematographer: Santosh Sivan Music Directors:  Ajay Atul Cast:  Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Abhishekh Bacchan, Vidhya Balan, Jitendra Joshi, Sanjay Datta, Mahesh Manjrekar, Bhagyashree, Amol Gupte Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Renowned actor of Marathi and Hindi films Riteish Deshmukh has presented a grandeur in association with Jio Studios in the form of ‘Raja Shivaji’ a historical epic on the life of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj – the great Maratha King. After his debut as a director through successful Marathi film ‘Ved’, this is his second directorial project. And, he has done his job reasonably well, as an actor and director.

In this biopic on the greatest Maratha King, Riteish covers the life of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj since his birth upto 1659, till he eliminates the cruel ruler Afzal Khan, who was a general of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur Sultanate . Riteish who plays the role of Shivaji Maharaj, has cleverly selected Sanjay Dutt to play the main villain through the character of cruel Afzal Khan. And Sanjay Dutt has lived up to his expectations, with his notable performance.  His wife Genelia plays the role of his screen wife Saibai in this film and the most important role of his mother Jijabai is played by former renowned actress Bhagyashree. Both of them have played their respective emotion filled scenes very well, in this action filled historic film. Riteish has also used his sons Rahyl and Riaan effectively to play the roles of Little and younger Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in this film. And both of them seem to have worked very hard to express themselves through their important thought provoking dialogues.
 

Chatrapati Raja Shivaji, Riteish Deshmukh

The planning and execution of moves by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to surprise the enemy have been skilfully shown in the screenplay of the film. The sequencing of events right from 1630 to 1659 have been unfolded cleverly, with proper editing work by Urvashi Saxena. Special effects with latest technology have been used superbly. It also gives an indication that there is a scope left for Part 2 of ‘Raja Shivaji’ in days to come. Brilliant cinematography by Santosh Sivan and suitable music by Ajay -Atul are also the plus points of this film. But, the wonderful performances by other lead artistes Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale, Vidya Balan as Khadija Sultana, Sachin Khedekar as Shahaji Bhosale, Amole Gute as Mohd. Adil Shah, Fardeen Khan as Shah Jahan , Jitendra Joshi as Pant Gopinath Bokil , Sushma Despande as Aajibai, invite special attention.

Barring the violence part during battles, without which these historical war films cannot be complete, this inspiring film is a must watch for all, for knowing the truth behind the courage of this great Maratha King, who fought against injustice to form Swarajya – which signifies freedom from external control.