Raja Shivaji: Who All Die In Riteish Deshmukh's Historical Drama?

With

chants of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai, the audience is flocking to theatres to watch Riteish Deshmukh’s much-talked-about historical drama, Raja Shivaji. Originally made in Marathi, the film can be watched in Hindi and Telugu as well. Deeply rooted in the Maratha kingdom’s legacy and glory, every character that features on screen had an impact in shaping the map of Maharashtra, its history and culture. The concluding scene of Raja Shivaji indicated that a sequel will continue the story. However, not all characters will be going forward. Some had to bid adieu as per the story’s demand. These Raja Shivaji characters will not be seen in the future installments.*Spoilers ahead*

Saibai Bhonsale

Saibai Bhonsale, the first wife of Shivaji Raje, died of a chronic illness. Due to a lack of medical facilities in that era, her condition couldn’t be diagnosed. The character was played by Genelia Deshmukh. Saibai was Shivaji’s confidante and the strongest pillar of support alongside his mother Jijabai. A few years after giving birth to Sambhaji, she died of health complications. Shivaji couldn’t be by her side in her final moments.

Shambhu Raje

Shambhu Raje, the elder son of Shahaji Raje Bhonsale and Jijabai, fought bravely against Afzal Khan’s army. He was a major influence on his younger brother, Shivaji. As he grew up, Shambhu used his aggression to support the mission to attain ‘swarajya’. He moved out of his home to be with Shahaji. Shambhu fought till his last breath. Abhishek Bachchan played Shambhu Raje or Sambhaji Shahaji Bhonsale.

Adil Shah

The founder of the Adil Shahi dynasty, Adil Shah, ruled a region of Karnataka for over 30 years. At the age of 55, he died a natural death. The reason behind his death was never disclosed, probably because of a lack of medical facilities and timely diagnosis. Amole Gupte was seen as Adil Shah in Raja Shivaji.

Afzal Khan

Afzal Khan, a general in Adil Shah’s Bijapur Sultanate, was Shivaji’s most powerful enemy. He had a towering personality and was among the most sinister minds in India’s history. Shivaji killed Afzal during their first face-to-face meeting. While both were prepared for attacks, the Maratha ruler used his physical structure, presence of mind and correct judgement of time to pierce the ‘wagh nakh’ into his flesh to kill him. Sanjay Dutt was seen as Afzal Khan.

Raja Shivaji box office

Raja Shivaji’s India net collection is Rs 23.90 crore. On Friday, the film earned Rs 12.40 crore net. It added another Rs 11.50 crore on Saturday, taking the collection to Rs 23.90 crore only in India. Raja Shivaji is the most expensive Marathi film, and its opening broke Sairat’s record.