Raja Shivaji has set a new record for Marathi cinema by surpassing the opening day collection of Manikarnika. Released on May 1, 2026, this historical drama collected over ₹11 crore on its first day, a remarkable feat for regional films.
Before this release, expectations were cautiously optimistic. Many believed that while Raja Shivaji had potential, it would struggle to match the box office success of bigger Hindi films. However, the decisive moment arrived when the film not only exceeded its projected earnings but also surpassed Manikarnika’s opening day collection of ₹8.75 crore.
Key statistics:
- Day 1 box office collection: ₹11.35 crore across 6,192 shows
- Marathi version collected ₹8 crore with an occupancy rate of 68%
- Hindi version collected ₹3.35 crore with an occupancy rate of 16%
- Overall occupancy rate for the film was 32% on its opening day
The film is co-written and directed by Riteish Deshmukh, who also stars alongside notable actors like Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan. This collaboration has drawn significant attention and contributed to the film’s appeal.
The production cost for Raja Shivaji is reportedly around ₹100 crore, making it the most expensive Marathi film ever made. This investment seems to have paid off, as early reviews and audience reactions suggest it will dominate footfalls over its Hindi counterpart.
This shift in the box office landscape highlights a growing appetite for regional films among audiences. Experts believe that with stories rooted in local culture and history—like that of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—there’s a unique resonance that can draw viewers away from mainstream Bollywood offerings.
As Raja Shivaji continues to perform well, one can’t help but wonder: Will this success inspire more ambitious projects in Marathi cinema? The industry is certainly at a turning point, and all eyes will be on future releases.
