Riteish Deshmukh, who made his debut as a director with Ved in 2022, is back to the director's chair for his sophomore Marathi film, Raja Shivaji. Based on the life of legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji, the film also features the director as the titular character.
Raja Shivaji, which opened in theatres on Friday, is backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Riteish's wife, Genelia Deshmukh, who also stars as Saibai, Shivaji's first wife in the film. While the ensemble also comprises Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan and Abhishek Bachchan, the cameo appearance of (spoiler alert) Salman Khan has become the most talked-about scene from the film.
Spoilers ahead; tread with caution.
Fans have already started sharing photos of Salman Khan from Raja Shivaji. Although his look was heavily guarded from being leaked, news about Salman's cameo in the film came to light way before the film's release.
Director Ritesh himself previously revealed that Salman was interested in the project and that he enquired about the film's shoot before asking about a role in the film, being keen on wanting to play a part in the film. Riteish recalled Salman saying, “No, no, no, you can’t make the film without me; I have to be in it.”
Salman Khan plays Jiva Mahala; who is he?
Even before the rest of us can catch the movie in theatres, enthusiastic fans of Salman Khan have already shared snaps of his cameo appearance in the film. The actor can be seen in an orange ensemble with a turban, a Maratha sword and a majestic moustache. It has also been revealed that he plays Jiva Mahala. Some video recordings also show the actor saying, “Shivaji nahi; Shivaji Raj mhanaycha,” before indulging in action—a moment that created frenzy in theatres.
Jiva Mahala was said to be a loyal warrior who protected Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the battle of Pratapgad. As per popular stories and retellings of the battle, Jiva saved Shivaji after the king's troops killed Afzal Khan. The latter's guard, Sayyid Banda, struck Shivaji with a sword, only for Jiva Mahala to save him by cutting the enemy's hand. If stories are to be believed, Jiva was merely 25 at the film.
The supporting cast of Raja Shivaji also includes Fardeen Khan and Sachin Khedekar. Ajay and Atul are composing music for the historical drama, while cinematography is by Santosh Sivan. The film is opened alongside the Junaid Khan-Sai Pallavi starrer Ek Din. The film has been released in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu.