The Royal Ascent: Can Riteish Deshmukh’s ‘Raja Shivaji’ Topple ‘Sairat’ at the Box Office?

Box Office Reports, News Published: 3 min read Mayur Shinde
Raja Shivaji Box Office Collection

History has a funny way of repeating itself, but in the Marathi film industry, it’s currently being rewritten. Have you ever wondered what it takes for a regional film to break the “glass ceiling” of mainstream Indian cinema? As of May 6, 2026, we aren’t just looking at a biopic; we are witnessing a cultural phenomenon.

Raja Shivaji, directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, has officially crossed the five-day mark, and the numbers are doing some serious talking. But in a market crowded with blockbusters, is it holding its ground or just riding a wave of nostalgia?

A Steady Climb: The Day 5 Numbers

After a massive opening weekend, the biggest question for any big-budget film is the “Monday Test.” Did it pass? According to the latest Raja Shivaji Box Office Collection Day 5 live updates, the film has managed to gross over ₹52 crore globally.

While some critics pointed toward a slight weekday dip, the net collections remain remarkably resilient. Reports from Sacnilk suggest a steady hold with ₹4.90 crore net on Tuesday, officially making it the 4th highest-grossing Marathi film of all time in just under a week.

Detailed Collection Breakdown (India Net)

Day Collection (₹ Crore)
Day 1 (Friday) ₹11.35 Cr
Day 2 (Saturday) ₹10.55 Cr
Day 3 (Sunday) ₹12.00 Cr
Day 4 (Monday) ₹5.60 Cr
Day 5 (Tuesday) ₹4.90 Cr
Total (5 Days) ₹44.40 Cr

 Key Milestones at a Glance

  • Total Global Gross: ₹52 Cr+ (and counting).
  • Domestic Net: Approaching the ₹50 Cr mark.
  • Ranking: Now sits comfortably in the Top 5 Marathi films ever.
  • Star Power: Features a high-octane cameo by Salman Khan, which has undoubtedly boosted its appeal in single-screen theaters.

The “Sairat” Goal: Chasing the Throne

Is it possible for a historical epic to outrun a tragic romance? That is the question on every industry insider’s mind. As noted by India Today, the film is now firmly eyeing the lifetime record of Sairat.

The momentum is there, but the journey to the ₹100 crore club requires more than just a strong start; it requires “long legs” at the box office. With the summer holidays in full swing, family audiences are flocking to see Deshmukh’s portrayal of the Maratha warrior king, citing the film’s high production values and emotional depth as major draws.

The Clash of Titans: Shivaji vs. The Ghost

It hasn’t been all smooth sailing, though. Every king faces a challenger, and for Raja Shivaji, that challenger is Akshay Kumar’s Bhoot Bangla.

In a surprising twist of data, some reports from News24 Online suggest that while Shivaji is a regional juggernaut, it is facing stiff competition for screen time. In certain circuits, the Akshay Kumar starrer is leading the race, pulling away a segment of the youth audience that prefers horror-comedy over historical drama.

Can a regional masterpiece survive the onslaught of a Bollywood superstar? The answer lies in the Maharashtra heartland, where Raja Shivaji continues to dominate the morning and evening shows with nearly 40% occupancy.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Numbers

At the end of the day, box office figures are just digits on a spreadsheet. The real victory for Riteish Deshmukh lies in the revival of Marathi cinema on a grand scale. By successfully blending historical accuracy with commercial “masala” including that viral Salman Khan appearance he has proven that regional stories can command national attention.

Will Raja Shivaji become the highest-grossing Marathi film in history? If the current trajectory holds, we might be looking at a new king of the charts by next weekend. One thing is for certain: the Maratha roar is echoing louder than ever in 2026.

FAQs
Is Raja Shivaji the most expensive Marathi film ever made?
While official budgets are often guarded, the high production values and VFX suggest it is among the costliest, rivaling major Bollywood productions in scale.
What was Salman Khan's role in Raja Shivaji?
Salman Khan appears in a high-octane special cameo that has been credited with driving massive footfall in single-screen cinemas across Maharashtra.
Can Raja Shivaji reach the ₹100 crore club?
Based on the steady Day 5 hold and strong family turnout, trade analysts believe the film has a clear shot at crossing the ₹100 crore milestone globally.
How does it compare to Akshay Kumar's Bhoot Bangla?
While Bhoot Bangla is leading in urban multiplexes in some regions, Raja Shivaji maintains a stronghold in the Maharashtra heartland and regional circuits.