Raja Shivaji’s Hindi Version 8 Minutes Shorter Than Its Marathi Version? Here's What We Know

Raja Shivaji, directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, is gearing up for release on May 1 in cinemas across India. The historical drama, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, arrives in both Marathi and Hindi. However, the Hindi version will run shorter than the Marathi cut by several minutes.

The film is scheduled to hit screens on Maharashtra Day, adding symbolic weight to the release. Raja Shivaji has been mounted as a large-scale period production and is widely reported as the most expensive Marathi film to date. Industry estimates place the budget at around Rs 100 crore, underlining the size of the project.

Raja Shivaji runtime and dual-language release

Raja Shivaji reaches theatres in two languages, but with different runtimes, which is unusual for such releases. The Marathi version received its censor certificate on April 24. As reported by Bollywood Hungama, this cut runs 195.05 minutes, or 3 hours, 15 minutes and 5 seconds, offering a longer viewing experience for Marathi audiences.

The Hindi version has been kept slightly shorter. It trims exactly 8 minutes from the Marathi runtime, resulting in a tighter narrative for non-Marathi viewers. The Central Board of Film Certification cleared this version on April 28 with a U/A 16+ rating. Both versions are now certified and scheduled for the same May 1 launch date.

Raja Shivaji cast, family involvement and characters

Riteish Deshmukh leads Raja Shivaji as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and also directs the film. The project carries a personal touch for the Deshmukh family, as Riteish Deshmukh’s 10-year-old son Rahyl Deshmukh portrays the younger Shivaji on screen, linking key life stages of the character through their performances.

The ensemble cast includes several well-known Hindi and Marathi actors. Sanjay Dutt plays Afzal Khan, while Abhishek Bachchan appears as Sambhaji. Fardeen Khan takes on the role of Aurangzeb, and Genelia Deshmukh features as Saibai. Bhagyashree plays Jijabai, with Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Jitendra Joshi and Amole Gupte also part of the line-up. Salman Khan is seen in a cameo.

Raja Shivaji trailers, editing choices and audience strategy

The difference in runtime is part of a broader strategy for Raja Shivaji. According to reports, Riteish Deshmukh is experimenting with pacing for different language audiences. The Hindi cut is kept crisper, while the Marathi version is allowed a more expansive flow, as makers expect stronger natural interest from Marathi-speaking viewers.

These choices are visible even in the promotional material. The Marathi trailer runs for 3 minutes and 5 seconds, giving extra time to build context and emotion. The Hindi promo is shorter at 2 minutes and 59 seconds, mirroring the leaner theatrical cut. With its large budget, star-heavy cast and dual-language approach, Raja Shivaji is positioned as one of the major Indian releases of 2026.