Raja Shivaji continues to stay in headlines ahead of its May 1 release. The main topic of discussion now is the film’s unusual runtime change. The historical film is releasing in both Marathi and Hindi, but both versions will not have the same length. The Hindi version is shorter by exactly eight minutes, making it one of the rare bilingual films with different runtimes.
This unexpected change has created curiosity among fans, especially because the film already has huge expectations. Riteish Deshmukh directs and stars in this grand period drama based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Raja Shivaji Hindi Version Gets Shorter Runtime
The Hindi version of Raja Shivaji was certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on April 28 with a U/A 16+ certificate. Its approved runtime is 187.05 minutes, which means the film is 3 hours, 7 minutes and 5 seconds long.
Earlier, the Marathi version got its censor certificate on April 24. That version runs for 195.05 minutes, or 3 hours, 15 minutes and 5 seconds. This means the Hindi version is exactly eight minutes shorter than the Marathi release.
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No new cuts were reportedly suggested for the Hindi version. The only recommendation was that chapter names, dates, events, and locations should be shown in Hindi.
Why Were 8 Minutes Removed?
An industry insider explained the move to Bollywood Hungama and said, “Usually, two versions of a film have the exact same duration. However, Riteish Deshmukh has tried a novel experiment and kept the narrative crisp for the Hindi audience. Meanwhile, for the Marathi audience, which would probably be more attracted to the film due to the local flavour, the actor-director has gone for a longer version.”
Even the trailers hinted at this plan. The Marathi trailer is 3 minutes and 5 seconds long, while the Hindi promo is slightly shorter at 2 minutes and 59 seconds.
Vicky Kaushal Praises Raja Shivaji Action Sequences
Buzz around Raja Shivaji became stronger after Chhaava actor Vicky Kaushal watched a special glimpse of the film. In a video shared by JioStudios, Vicky met Riteish and praised the film. He said, “I don’t think Marathi cinema has seen an action sequence like this.”
Made on an estimated Rs 100 crore budget, Raja Shivaji is being called the most expensive Marathi film ever made. The film releases in Marathi and Hindi on May 1, on Maharashtra Day.
Riteish Deshmukh plays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while Rahyl Deshmukh appears as the younger Shivaji. The cast also includes Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Genelia Deshmukh, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Bhagyashree, Sachin Khedekar, Fardeen Khan and a special cameo by Salman Khan.
