Sanjay Dutt Says Raja Shivaji Is His Way Of Supporting Marathi Cinema

Actor Sanjay Dutt is all set to step into a powerful historical role as Afzal Khan in the upcoming period drama Raja Shivaji, and for him, the film is more than just another project. At the trailer launch event held in Mumbai, the actor shared that his decision to be part of the film was driven by his desire to support and promote Marathi cinema.

 

The grand event saw a strong presence of industry names including Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh, and Riteish Deshmukh, making it a star-studded celebration of the film’s launch.

 

Speaking about his role and collaboration, Sanjay Dutt said, “100% to promote Marathi Cinema, that’s why I am part of this project, and Riteish is like my younger brother, we go a long way, with our fathers together, and him asking me was something I couldn’t refuse, but I really enjoyed working in the film, so thank you to the entire team, and I am not like Afzal Khan.”

 

The film, co-written and directed by Riteish Deshmukh, is based on the life of Shivaji, one of India’s most revered historical figures and the founder of the Maratha Empire. With Sanjay Dutt portraying Afzal Khan, the film is expected to bring an intense and dramatic retelling of a crucial chapter in history.

 

Produced by Genelia Deshmukh and Jyoti Deshpande, Raja Shivaji is being made simultaneously in Marathi and Hindi, aiming to reach a wider audience across the country. The scale, cast, and subject suggest a cinematic spectacle rooted in history and cultural pride.

 

Sanjay Dutt’s statement about promoting Marathi cinema also reflects the growing trend of actors supporting regional industries and stories that resonate deeply with audiences. His camaraderie with Riteish Deshmukh adds a personal layer to the collaboration, making the project even more special.

 

Scheduled for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026, Raja Shivaji is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated period dramas of the year, blending history, emotion, and star power on the big screen.