The Indian box office has witnessed a historic moment as the much-anticipated historical action drama, Raja Shivaji, hit the screens. Led and directed by Riteish Deshmukh, the film has not just met expectations but shattered long-standing records. With a massive buzz leading up to its release, the film has successfully translated pre-release hype into record-breaking numbers, marking a monumental shift for Marathi cinema on its opening day.
Direct Answer
Raja Shivaji has recorded a historic opening at the Indian box office, earning 12.40 crore net on its first day. This performance makes it the biggest-ever opening for a Marathi film, becoming the first in the history of the language to hit a double-digit figure on day one. The film benefited from strong word of mouth and the Maharashtra Day holiday, which fueled ticket sales across major circuits.
Day 1 Collection Breakdown
| Category | Collection (INR) |
| India Net (All Languages) | 12.40 crore |
| India Gross | 14.63 crore |
| Previous Record (Thackeray) | 6 crore |
Riteish Deshmukh’s All-Time Highest Openers (India Net)
| Rank | Movie Name | Day 1 Collection (Net) |
| 1 | Housefull 5 | 24.35 crore |
| 2 | Housefull 4 | 16.50 crore |
| 3 | Ek Villain | 16.72 crore |
| 4 | Total Dhamaal | 16.50 crore |
| 5 | Housefull 3 | 15.21 crore |
| 6 | Housefull 2 | 14 crore |
| 7 | Grand Masti | 12.51 crore |
| 8 | Humshakals | 12.50 crore |
| 9 | Raja Shivaji | 12.40 crore |
| 10 | Housefull | 10 crore |
Explanation / Analysis
The performance of Raja Shivaji is significant as it marks a 106% increase over the previous highest Marathi opener, Thackeray, which earned 6 crore. By securing 12.40 crore net, Raja Shivaji has firmly placed itself as the top opener in the history of Marathi cinema. Furthermore, this film has secured the 9th spot in Riteish Deshmukh’s personal list of biggest career openings, ahead of his film Housefull. The collection includes earnings from both Marathi and Hindi belts, supported heavily by footfalls in key markets like Mumbai and Pune.
Conclusion
With a record-breaking start of 12.40 crore, Raja Shivaji has set a new benchmark for regional cinema in India. As it enters the first weekend, all eyes will be on how the film sustains this momentum following its historic double-digit debut.