Why Raja Shivaji’s 3-Hour Runtime Is A Massive Risk For Riteish Deshmukh

Raja Shivaji Movie 2026: Riteish Deshmukh Historical Epic Runtime and U/A 16+ Certificate Details

MUMBAI — Get ready to clear your schedules and grab the largest tub of popcorn you can find. The most ambitious project of Riteish Deshmukh’s career, Raja Shivaji, has finally cleared the censor hurdles, and the details are absolutely mind-blowing.

We are looking at a massive runtime of 3 hours, 15 minutes, and 5 seconds. That is right, this is not just a movie; it is a full-blown cinematic marathon.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has officially granted it a U/A 16+ certificate, which tells you everything you need to know about the grit and intensity we are about to witness on May 1.

This film has been ten years in the making. It is a dream project that has seen Riteish pouring his heart, soul, and a reported budget of 100 crore into bringing the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the silver screen.

Following the massive box office storm created by Chhaava last year, the expectations for Raja Shivaji are sky-high. But the real talking point today is that mammoth runtime.

In an era where attention spans are shrinking, Riteish is betting big on a story so detailed it needs over three hours to breathe.

Joining The Heavyweights

By locking in a 195-minute runtime for the Marathi version, Raja Shivaji has officially joined the elite club of modern-day long-form blockbusters. It is standing tall alongside recent giants like Animal, Pushpa 2, and the 2026 juggernauts Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Border 2.

There was a time when exhibitors were scared of three-hour films because it meant fewer shows per day. But the trend has completely flipped. Audiences today do not mind sitting in a dark room for hours if the content is world-class, and the buzz suggests this film is exactly that.

The certification is another fascinating layer. A U/A 16+ rating is fairly rare for a historical epic of this scale.

Usually, makers aim for a broader U/A to bring in the kids, but the 16+ tag suggests that Riteish has not watered down the reality of 17th-century warfare.

We are talking about a raw, impactful portrayal of the struggle for Swarajya. It is a bold move that prioritises authenticity over a “safe” family rating.

What Happened Behind Closed Doors At The CBFC?

As per reports that surfaced on April 24, the censor process was remarkably smooth considering the scale. The board only suggested two minor visual modifications.

One involved replacing a shot of a child’s injury with an alternative angle to keep it within the U/A 16+ bracket. They also asked for audio to be added to a few muted visuals.

What is even more interesting is how the CBFC handled the historical accuracy.

They requested that the makers strengthen the disclaimer with a voiceover and provide documented proof for all the historical references used. The team even had to insert text slates with specific dates for major events to ensure the audience could follow the timeline perfectly.

This shows that everyone involved is taking the responsibility of depicting Shivaji Maharaj very seriously.

Will a three-hour Marathi film find takers across India? While the Marathi version is the one making headlines for its length, the film is releasing in six languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

The big question is whether the non-Marathi audience will have the same patience for a localised historical legend.

However, with a supporting cast that includes names like Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Vidya Balan, the “pan-India” appeal is definitely being baked into the cake.

Final Take

Look, I think this is a massive win for Marathi cinema. Riteish Deshmukh is not just playing it safe; he is swinging for the fences.

The music by Ajay-Atul and cinematography by the legendary Santosh Sivan already guarantee a technical masterpiece.

If the storytelling matches the scale, we might be looking at the highest-grossing Marathi film of all time. It is a risk, yes, but for a legend like Shivaji Maharaj, you cannot tell the story in two hours and call it a day. Get your tickets early for May 1!

Gulshan Mishra – Journalist

What do you think about the 3-hour runtime? Is it too long for a historical movie, or are you excited to see a detailed epic?

Drop your thoughts in the comments!