‘Raja Shivaji’ Cleared by Censor Board with U/A 16+ Rating; Child Violence Scene Replaced

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has officially cleared Riteish Deshmukh’s historical epic, Raja Shivaji, ahead of its global release on May 1, 2026. The film, which clocks in at a massive 3 hours, 15 minutes, and 5 seconds, has been granted a U/A 16+ certificate, signaling a raw and impactful portrayal of the legendary Maratha warrior.

While the board was satisfied with the overall narrative, it mandated specific modifications to ensure historical accuracy and sensitivity before the film hits theaters.

Key Visual and Audio Edits

The CBFC suggested two primary changes to the film’s content:

• Removal of Child Violence: The board directed the makers to replace a graphic scene depicting a young boy’s throat being slit. An alternative, more appropriate shot has been substituted to maintain the scene’s emotional weight without the explicit visual.
• Audio Enhancements: Several previously muted visuals were flagged, with the board requesting that appropriate audio be added to these scenes to ensure a consistent viewing experience.

Strengthening Historical Context

Given the historical significance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Examining Committee took extra steps to verify the film’s authenticity:

• Documentary Proof: The producers were required to submit corroborating documents for every historical reference used in the script.
• Timeline Clarity: The team was instructed to add specific dates for all major historical events and include text slates throughout the film to provide better context for the audience.
• Enhanced Disclaimer: The film’s opening disclaimer has been rephrased for greater clarity and now includes a mandatory voiceover. The makers also had to provide an official explanation for choosing the specific title, Raja Shivaji.

A Star-Studded Dream Project

Directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, Raja Shivaji is being hailed as his most ambitious project to date. The film boasts a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Boman Irani, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Sachin Khedekar.

With a runtime that joins the ranks of recent “marathon” blockbusters like Animal and Pushpa 2, the film is positioned as a comprehensive biographical tribute. It is scheduled for a grand release this Friday, coinciding with Maharashtra Day.