Raja Shivaji: Riteish Deshmukh Starrer Joins Elite List Of 3-Hour Plus Blockbusters; Gets U/A 16+ Certificate

Riteish Deshmukh's ambitious historical epic, Raja Shivaji, has officially joined the elite club of Indian films crossing the three-hour mark. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the film completed its censor process on April 24, with the Marathi version locking a massive runtime of 195.05 minutes (3 hours, 15 minutes, and 5 seconds). The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has passed the film with a U/A 16+ certificate, signaling a raw and impactful portrayal of the legendary Maratha warrior's life. This marathon duration places the film among the longest modern-day cinematic experiences, proving that the makers are committed to a grand, detailed narrative for this global release.

The cinematic journey of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the silver screen is a legacy that spans over a century, beginning with the landmark silent film Sinhagad in 1923. Over the last hundred years, the stories of the great Maratha ruler and his brave associates have been adapted more than 60 times across Indian film and television. Riteish Deshmukh's Raja Shivaji is the most anticipated modern addition to this timeline, arriving shortly after the massive success of Chhaava, which featured Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji. The buzz for this epic reached a fever pitch following its trailer release on April 20, 2026, which set the stage for its global premiere.

While long-form storytelling was once considered a risk, the trend has shifted with several massive grossers proving that audiences are willing to stay glued to their seats if the content is engaging. Raja Shivaji now finds itself in the company of legendary classics and modern-day juggernauts that have dared to push the boundaries of runtime. Here is a look at some of the most prominent Indian films that have clocked over three hours:

• LOC: Kargil (2003) – 4 hours 15 minutes
• Mera Naam Joker (1970) – 4 hours 4 minutes
• Sangam (1964) – 3 hours 58 minutes
• Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge (2026) – 3 hours 55 minutes
• Lagaan (2001) – 3 hours 44 minutes
• Khatarnaak (1990) – 3 hours 43 minutes
• Mohabbatein (2000) – 3 hours 36 minutes
• Dhurandhar (2025) – 3 hours 34 minutes
• Jodhaa Akbar (2008) – 3 hours 33 minutes
• Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) – 3 hours 30 minutes
• Swades (2004) – 3 hours 30 minutes
• Sholay (1975) – 3 hours 24 minutes
• Animal (2023) – 3 hours 21 minutes
• Border 2 (2026) – 3 hours 20 minutes
• Salaam-E-Ishq (2007) – 3 hours 16 minutes
• M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) – 3 hours 10 minutes
• Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) – 3 hours 9 minutes
• Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999) – 3 hours 8 minutes

To ensure historical accuracy, the CBFC Examining Committee suggested specific modifications for Raja Shivaji. The makers were asked to strengthen the disclaimer with a voiceover and provide a clear clarification for the film's title. Additionally, the production team submitted extensive documentation for historical references and a detailed script to align with the dialogues and songs. The board also instructed the team to insert specific dates and text slates for key historical events to help viewers follow the timeline. Visual modifications were minimal, involving the replacement of a shot showing a child's throat being slit and adding audio to certain muted visuals. These minor tweaks ensure that the core essence of the 10-year-long dream project remains preserved as it heads toward its May 1 release, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Maharashtra Day.

The film boasts a powerhouse cast that spans across industries. Riteish Deshmukh plays the titular role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while Sanjay Dutt portrays the antagonist Afzal Khan. The ensemble includes Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale, Vidya Balan as Tajul Mukkhidarat Badi Sahiba, Fardeen Khan as Shah Jahan, and Bhagyashree as Jijabai. In a move that has already created massive hype, Salman Khan is set to appear in a significant cameo. The film also marks the debut of Riteish's son, Rahyl, playing the younger version of Shivaji.

The cinematic legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is over a century old, beginning with the silent film Sinhagad in 1923. Since then, the life of the Maratha warrior and his associates has been adapted over 60 times across Indian film and television. Riteish Deshmukhs Raja Shivaji is the most ambitious entry in this timeline, arriving shortly after the massive success of Chhaava (2025), which starred Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji. The trailer for this historical epic, released on April 20, 2026, has already set the stage for a grand theatrical experience.

Joining the lead stars is an powerhouse supporting cast including Genelia Deshmukh, Sachin Khedekar, Amole Gupte, and Jitendra Joshi. The production is a joint venture between Riteish and Genelia Deshmukhs Mumbai Film Company and Jyoti Deshpandes Jio Studios. By releasing the film in six languages, the makers are expanding the story of Shivaji Maharaj beyond the Marathi market to reach a global audience, ensuring that the dream project, 10 years in the making, gets the scale it deserves.

A decade in the making, this dream project is produced by Mumbai Film Company and Jio Studios, featuring world-class technical talent like cinematographer Santosh Sivan and music composers Ajay-Atul. Despite debates surrounding specific historical depictions in the trailer, the anticipation remains sky-high. Raja Shivaji is scheduled for a grand release on May 1, 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, and will arrive in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam to reach a worldwide audience.