Raja Shivaji has set a new record for Marathi cinema by surpassing the opening day collection of Manikarnika. The film collected over ₹11 crore on its first day, marking a significant achievement.
The previous expectation was that Raja Shivaji would perform well, but the figures exceeded projections. It recorded a total box office of ₹11.35 crore with 6,192 shows on Day 1.
In contrast, Manikarnika had an opening day collection of ₹8.75 crore. This shift highlights the growing popularity of regional films in India.
The film’s success is particularly noteworthy as it is reportedly the most expensive Marathi film ever made, with a production cost of ₹100 crore. Directed by Riteish Deshmukh, it features an impressive cast including Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan.
As of midday May 1, 2026, the Marathi version alone collected ₹8 crore with a strong occupancy rate of 68%. Meanwhile, the Hindi version garnered ₹3.35 crore with only 16% occupancy.
This performance indicates that Raja Shivaji is likely to dominate footfalls over its Hindi counterpart. Experts suggest that this trend reflects a growing interest in historical dramas within Marathi cinema.
The film’s release coincided with Maharashtra Day, further boosting its visibility and attendance. Industry analysts are closely monitoring this development as it could signal a shift in viewer preferences towards regional narratives.
Overall, Raja Shivaji’s impressive opening day figures not only establish new benchmarks for Marathi cinema but also contribute to the evolving landscape of Indian regional films.
