Bombay HC Dismisses PIL Against Riteish Deshmukh-Led Raja Shivaji, Rejects Objection Over Omission Of ‘Chhatrapati’ Title

Bombay High Court dismisses PIL over omission of 'Chhatrapati' in Raja Shivaji title, citing no public interest or derogatory intent.

Bombay High Court Rejects PIL Against Raja Shivaji

The Bombay High Court has rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought to halt the release of the upcoming Marathi-Hindi bilingual film Raja Shivaji. Thereby, allowing its scheduled theatrical release on May 1, 2026, to proceed as planned. The plea had raised objections over the absence of the honorific ‘Chhatrapati’ in the film’s title. Furthermore, alleging that it disrespected the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The PIL was filed by the NGO Sree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Foundation, which contended that dropping the title ‘Chhatrapati’ could hurt the sentiments of those who revere the Maratha icon. It had urged the court to direct the filmmakers to rename the project Chhatrapati Raja Shivaji. Additionally, seeking a stay on its release and exhibition until the modification was made.

However, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad dismissed the petition. They stated that it did not establish any genuine public interest. The court also took note that the plea had been moved just two days before the film’s release. It observed that there was nothing objectionable or disrespectful in the title Raja Shivaji that would diminish the stature of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Moreover, remarked that the petition appeared to be driven by other motives rather than public concern.

Court Told Film Focuses On Pre-Coronation Phase Of Shivaji Maharaj

The respondents in the case included the Union of India, the State of Maharashtra, and the Central Board of Film Certification. Along with actor-director Riteish Deshmukh, producers Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh, and Mumbai Film Company Pvt Ltd.

During the proceedings, the filmmakers’ counsel explained that the narrative portrays the life of Shivaji Maharaj before his coronation in 1674. This was when he was officially conferred the title ‘Chhatrapati.’ They also informed the court that the film carries a disclaimer clarifying this context, which has already been approved by the CBFC. It was further submitted that the film was publicly announced in February 2024, with its release date declared in 2025. Hence, making the title widely known for a long time.

Concluding the matter, the High Court observed that PILs are meant to address legitimate public concerns. And should not be misused for last-minute objections of this nature.

About Raja Shivaji

Raja Shivaji is a Marathi-Hindi historical drama directed by and featuring Riteish Deshmukh in the role of the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Released on May 1, 2026, the film traces the journey of the Maratha warrior king. The film focuses on his early years to the formation of the Maratha Empire. The project includes music composed by Ajay-Atul and stars an ensemble cast featuring Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, and Abhishek Bachchan.

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Sonali Singh

Sonali Singh watches films like it’s a job (and honestly, it kind of is). Currently pursuing her Master’s in Communication and Journalism, she lives somewhere between deadlines and movie scenes. If it’s Bollywood, she’s already invested—films, drama, and all the gossip included. When she’s not writing, she’s either dancing her heart out like no one’s watching or trying to mimic people, proving that not all talents are meant to be discovered.