RGV says Riteish Deshmukh looks like Shivaji reincarnated, praises box office run
Ram Gopal Varma has praised Riteish Deshmukh's Raja Shivaji after its theatrical release and strong start at the box office. His post highlighted Riteish's work as both director and actor while underscoring the film's early theatrical momentum.
by India Today Entertainment Desk · India TodayIn Short
- Raja Shivaji released on May 1 and opened strongly in cinemas
- Ram Gopal Varma said the film was slashing and smashing the box office
- He praised Riteish Deshmukh for handling direction and acting duties together
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has praised Riteish Deshmukh’s historical drama Raja Shivaji, which released in theatres on May 1 and has opened to a strong response at the box office. It earned Rs 11.35 crore on Day 1. The film has been co-written, directed, and headlined by Riteish, with Varma commending both its run in cinemas and the actor's work on and off camera.
In a post on X, Varma said the film was “slashing and smashing” the box office and added that Riteish was creating “mayhem in theatres”. He also praised his portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, saying the actor “literally looks like Shivaji Maharaj reincarnated”.
Varma’s post on X
Sharing his reaction on X, Varma wrote, “Hey @geneliad CONGRATS on the way your #RajaShivaji is both SLASHING and SMASHING the BOXOFFICE .. @Riteishd both as DIRECTOR and ACTOR is creating MAYHEM in the THEATRES and he literally looks #ShivajiMaharaj REINCARNATED (sic).”
About the film
Raja Shivaji stars Riteish in the titular role and features an ensemble cast including Abhishek Bachchan, Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi and Amole Gupte, among others.
The historical drama explores the formative years of the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, focusing on his vision of Swarajya and his resistance against the dominant powers of the time. The film is backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under Mumbai Film Company and is presented by Jio Studios.
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