On May 1, 2026, Raja Shivaji achieved a remarkable feat in Marathi cinema by surpassing the opening day collection of Manikarnika. The film, co-written and directed by Riteish Deshmukh, collected over ₹11 crore on its first day.
The decisive moment came when Raja Shivaji recorded a total box office collection of ₹11.35 crore from 6,192 shows. This impressive figure eclipsed Manikarnika, which had previously held the record with an opening day collection of ₹8.75 crore.
The film’s success is attributed to its strong regional appeal and historical narrative centered around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It features a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Genelia Deshmukh.
Interestingly, the Marathi version of Raja Shivaji collected ₹8 crore with a notable occupancy rate of 68%. Meanwhile, the Hindi version garnered ₹3.35 crore but had only a 16% occupancy rate.
This release coincided with Maharashtra Day, which likely contributed to increased footfalls in theaters across the state. The film is reportedly the most expensive Marathi film ever made, with a production budget of ₹100 crore.
Experts suggest that this achievement signals a growing trend for regional films to break traditional box office records. The overall occupancy rate for Raja Shivaji was approximately 32% on its opening day.
The film’s strong performance may encourage further investment in Marathi cinema and similar historical dramas. Riteish Deshmukh’s directorial debut has clearly resonated with audiences eager for compelling narratives from their cultural heritage.
As Raja Shivaji continues to attract viewers, it sets a new benchmark for future productions in Marathi cinema. The film’s success story reflects an evolving landscape where regional films are gaining recognition alongside mainstream Bollywood releases.
