'Watch The Film First': Riteish Deshmukh Silences Critic Questioning Historical Accuracy In Raja Shivaji

Actor-filmmaker Riteish Deshmukh is facing social media backlash following the trailer release of his ambitious project, Raja Shivaji. While the film marks his debut as a director and producer in a story centered on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a specific scene featuring Sanjay Dutt has sparked a debate over historical accuracy. The controversy involves a moment where Shivaji Maharaj appears to openly display the "Wagh Nakh" (tiger claw) to Afzal Khan. A critic on X (formerly Twitter) slammed the portrayal, arguing that historical records state the weapon was kept concealed and only deployed as a defensive counter-measure after Afzal Khan initiated his attack.

The user accused Riteish of manipulating the glorious history of Maharashtra, providing side-by-side screenshots to highlight the discrepancy. According to the critic, showing the weapon prematurely misrepresents the strategic genius and historical facts of the famous encounter, prompting a direct response from the filmmaker.

Responding to the user, Riteish wrote on X, "Respected Sir, pls do watch the film on 1st May.. the answer to your question is there in the movie. I hope you enjoy the film with your friends and family. Jai Shivrai."

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Principal photography began in February 2025 at Mumbai’s Film City, where a specialised set of Shivneri Fort was constructed to capture the early years of Shivaji Maharaj. The production then moved into a second phase in early April, filming pivotal life events such as his meeting with Rani Saibai, his coronation at Raigad Fort, and major battle sequences.

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During the April filming schedule in the Satara district, the production was struck by tragedy. After completing a song sequence, Saurabh Sharma, a 26-year-old dancer on the choreography team, drowned in the Krishna River. His body was recovered two days later near the filming location at Sangam Mahuli. By October 2025, filming returned to Goregaon’s Film City. To ensure historical accuracy, the production team scanned and studied several real forts, recreating them as massive, detailed sets that remained standing for over six months. Additional outdoor filming took place across the rugged Sahyadri mountain ranges during this period.