‘The audience is doing the promotion themselves’ — Riteish Deshmukh expresses delight over the response ‘Raja Shivaji’ is receiving.

Actor, producer, and director Riteish Deshmukh is currently making headlines for his recently released film, Raja Shivaji. Riteish not only directed this film but also starred in it, portraying the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film has garnered a positive response from audiences, while critics have offered a mixed reception. Now, expressing his delight at the film’s performance, Riteish has emphasized its significance for modern-day audiences.

Riteish Expresses Joy as Film Appeals to Audiences Across All Segments

Speaking to ANI, Riteish Deshmukh stated that he is thrilled that his film—beyond just its box office collections—has managed to connect with audiences on an emotional level. The actor remarked, “When I see people going to watch the film with their families—in groups, or bringing along their grandparents—I realize that there are many among them who have never watched a film in a theater before.”

“New parents—those with one-year-olds or two-year-olds—want Raja Shivaji to be the very first film their children ever watch, especially given that it is a film based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. They are recording videos of themselves as they head inside to watch the movie. Once inside, everyone feels a profound sense of emotion. Upon exiting, they record and post videos, urging others to go and watch this film.”

Audience Acceptance: The True Success of a Film

Since its release, social media has been flooded with videos posted by viewers and fans celebrating inside theaters and sharing their thoughts on the film. Riteish described this phenomenon as “organic promotion,” noting that this is precisely what signifies the true success of any film.

He stated, “I believe this is the moment when an audience truly embraces a film. For filmmakers, this is an incredibly gratifying feeling; once the audience accepts a film, they spontaneously begin promoting it themselves. For filmmakers like us, there is simply nothing better than that.”

Children Should Watch the Film to Learn About History

Raja Shivaji depicts the historic rivalry between Chhatrapati Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the commander of the Bijapur Sultanate. The film depicts Shivaji’s military campaigns against Bijapur and the Mughals. Speaking about the significance of his film, Riteish stated, “I feel that children should watch this movie because only a few pages of history are typically presented to us.”

“I believe that when a story is showcased on the big screen, audiences realize that there are many details that are not covered in history textbooks. Watching this film is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of these events.”

The Film Is Performing Well at the Box Office

Directed by Riteish Deshmukh, Raja Shivaji is performing impressively at the box office, including in its Hindi version. Within just five days, the film’s total collection in India has crossed the ₹44.40 crore mark.

In addition to Riteish Deshmukh, the film features an extensive star-studded cast, including renowned actors such as Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Genelia Deshmukh, Mahesh Manjrekar, Fardeen Khan, Amol Gupte, and Boman Irani. Furthermore, the film also features a cameo appearance by Salman Khan.