Raja Shivaji X review: Riteish earns praise, Salman's cameo steals show
The film Raja Shivaji opened in theatres on May 1 with largely positive reactions on X. Several X users praised Riteish Deshmukh's direction and performance, while Salman Khan's cameo became a major talking point.
Riteish Deshmukh’s Raja Shivaji opened in theatres on May 1 and its first reactions on X were largely positive. Viewers and trade voices praised the historical drama soon after the first shows. Much of the early conversation centred on the film’s scale, Riteish’s work as director and actor, and a brief appearance by Salman Khan.
The film had already built strong buzz before release, and that interest appears to have carried into its opening day. On social media, posts ranged from detailed reviews to quick reactions from cinemagoers. Salman’s cameo emerged as a major talking point, with several users saying his entry drew a strong response inside theatres.
Critic's take on Raja Shivaji
Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh was among those who strongly backed the film. Giving the film 4.5 stars, he called Raja Shivaji a magnificent tribute to one of India's greatest warrior kings – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. "Director #RiteishDeshmukh delivers a landmark film... DON'T MISS IT!," he wrote.
The film critic said the film "blends spectacle with soul" and added, "As an actor too, Riteish is phenomenal – delivering his career-best performance... He portrays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with dignity, strength, and emotional depth."
How X users reacted
Other social media users echoed that response. One wrote, "Wow wow wow! The film left me teary-eyed and with all pride- Ritesh pulled the impossible- salute, take a bow (sic)!!"
Another posted, "#RajaShivajiReview 4/5 It's a brilliant and outstanding cinema. @Riteishd, you are amazing in your performance as Shivaji Raja. Riteish's direction is truly amazing. ALL side actors performances are brilliant. Special Cameo goosebumps' moment. Song and BGM are outstanding (sic)."
Salman Khan steals the show
Salman’s cameo drew a separate wave of posts from viewers. One user wrote, "#SalmanKhan's HIGH VOLTAGE CAMEO making theatres erupt into whistles, cheers and non-stop appulse.. Bhaijaan cameo is worth watching. it's a MASS HURRICANE moment!! (sic)"
Another wrote, "#SalmanKhan makes a powerful entry as Jivaji Mahal in the climax and those few minutes are enough to leave the audience stunned (sic)." The same post added, "Salman delivering dialogues in Marathi raw, intense, and completely unexpected (sic)."
About the film
Ahead of release, Raja Shivaji had already recorded strong advance sales. The three-hour historical drama is co-written and directed by Riteish Deshmukh, who also plays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It chronicles the ruler’s reign and his conflicts with Aurangzeb, and is produced by Mumbai Film Company and Jio Studios.
Riteish Deshmukh’s Raja Shivaji opened in theatres on May 1 and its first reactions on X were largely positive. Viewers and trade voices praised the historical drama soon after the first shows. Much of the early conversation centred on the film’s scale, Riteish’s work as director and actor, and a brief appearance by Salman Khan.
The film had already built strong buzz before release, and that interest appears to have carried into its opening day. On social media, posts ranged from detailed reviews to quick reactions from cinemagoers. Salman’s cameo emerged as a major talking point, with several users saying his entry drew a strong response inside theatres.
Critic's take on Raja Shivaji
Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh was among those who strongly backed the film. Giving the film 4.5 stars, he called Raja Shivaji a magnificent tribute to one of India's greatest warrior kings – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. "Director #RiteishDeshmukh delivers a landmark film... DON'T MISS IT!," he wrote.
The film critic said the film "blends spectacle with soul" and added, "As an actor too, Riteish is phenomenal – delivering his career-best performance... He portrays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with dignity, strength, and emotional depth."
How X users reacted
Other social media users echoed that response. One wrote, "Wow wow wow! The film left me teary-eyed and with all pride- Ritesh pulled the impossible- salute, take a bow (sic)!!"
Another posted, "#RajaShivajiReview 4/5 It's a brilliant and outstanding cinema. @Riteishd, you are amazing in your performance as Shivaji Raja. Riteish's direction is truly amazing. ALL side actors performances are brilliant. Special Cameo goosebumps' moment. Song and BGM are outstanding (sic)."
Salman Khan steals the show
Salman’s cameo drew a separate wave of posts from viewers. One user wrote, "#SalmanKhan's HIGH VOLTAGE CAMEO making theatres erupt into whistles, cheers and non-stop appulse.. Bhaijaan cameo is worth watching. it's a MASS HURRICANE moment!! (sic)"
Another wrote, "#SalmanKhan makes a powerful entry as Jivaji Mahal in the climax and those few minutes are enough to leave the audience stunned (sic)." The same post added, "Salman delivering dialogues in Marathi raw, intense, and completely unexpected (sic)."
About the film
Ahead of release, Raja Shivaji had already recorded strong advance sales. The three-hour historical drama is co-written and directed by Riteish Deshmukh, who also plays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It chronicles the ruler’s reign and his conflicts with Aurangzeb, and is produced by Mumbai Film Company and Jio Studios.
