The Bombay High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought a stay on the theatrical release of the Marathi-Hindi bilingual film Raja Shivaji, clearing the best way for the movie’s scheduled release on May 1, 2026. The petition had objected to the omission of the honorific “Chhatrapati” from the film’s title and claimed it was disrespectful to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Bombay High Court dismisses PIL searching for change in Raja Shivaji’s title
The plea was filed by NGO Sree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Foundation, which argued that leaving out the title “Chhatrapati” hurt the emotions of followers of the long-lasting Maratha ruler. The petitioner requested the court to direct the makers to rename the film Chhatrapati Raja Shivaji and likewise sought restrictions on the discharge, screening, and public exhibition of the movie until changes were made.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad rejected the petition, observing that the matter didn’t involve any real public cause. The court also noted the timing of the plea, stating that it was filed only two days before the film’s release.
In accordance with the bench, there was nothing within the title Raja Shivaji that might be considered insulting or derogatory to the status of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The judges stated that the petition seemed to be motivated relatively than filed in real public interest.
The respondents within the case included the Union of India, the State of Maharashtra, the Central Board of Film Certification, actor-director Riteish Deshmukh, producers Jyoti Deshpande, Genelia Deshmukh, and Mumbai Film Company Pvt Ltd.
In the course of the hearing, counsel representing the film’s producers informed the court that the story focuses on Shivaji Maharaj’s life before his coronation in 1674, when he officially received the title of “Chhatrapati.” It was also stated that a disclaimer explaining this context had already been included within the film and approved by the CBFC.
The producers further submitted that the project had been publicly announced in February 2024, while its release date was declared in 2025, meaning the title had long been in the general public domain.
In its final remarks, the High Court said public interest litigation was meant to amplify real public concerns, and never be misused for such last-minute objections.
Also Read: Raja Shivaji Box Office Prediction: Riteish Deshmukh’s film to open HUGE, take comfortable DOUBLE DIGIT opening
More Pages: Raja Shivaji Box Office Collection
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