Raja Shivaji Box Office Day 1 Advance Booking: Riteish Deshmukh Starrer Sells 94K Tickets; Eyes Strong Opening With Holiday Boost

Riteish Deshmukh’s ambitious historical drama Raja Shivaji is gearing up for its theatrical release on May 1, and the film has already showcased promising trends in advance booking. With Maharashtra being the key market, the film is witnessing strong traction, particularly in its Marathi version. The early ticket sales indicate solid audience interest, setting the stage for a notable opening at the Indian box office.

Backed by a large-scale release and strong regional appeal, the film has managed to build momentum ahead of its release. The presence of a holiday is further expected to amplify footfalls, especially through spot bookings.

Strong Show Count And Wide Release Strategy

The film has secured an extensive release across India, with a total show count of approximately 3,674 shows. Out of this, the Marathi version accounts for around 1,600 shows, marking a record-breaking showcasing for a Marathi film. The Hindi version contributes 2,074 shows, ensuring a pan-India presence.

In terms of pricing, the average ticket rate stands at ₹223 for Marathi screens and ₹218 for Hindi screens, reflecting a balanced pricing strategy aimed at maximizing occupancy.

Advance Booking Trends: Marathi Version Leads

As of 1 PM IST (one day before release), Raja Shivaji has sold approximately 94.8K tickets across India. The total advance booking gross stands at ₹2.48 crore (excluding blocked seats), translating to a net collection of around ₹2.1 crore.

The Marathi version is clearly driving the numbers, contributing 87.7K tickets (87,705 tickets) and generating ₹2.27 crore gross. This also marks the highest-ever day 1 advance booking for a Marathi film, indicating strong regional pull.

On the other hand, the Hindi version has sold 7.09K tickets (7,095 tickets), contributing roughly ₹21 lakh to the overall gross.

Opening Day Projection And Expectations

Considering the current advance booking trends and the advantage of Maharashtra Day/Labor Day holiday, Raja Shivaji is well-positioned for a strong opening. The film is expected to benefit significantly from walk-in audiences, particularly in Maharashtra circuits such as Mumbai, Pune, and Thane.

Based on the pre-sales momentum and regional buzz, the film’s Day 1 net collection is projected to land in the range of ₹6 crore to ₹8 crore, with the Marathi version contributing the lion’s share. The final figure will largely depend on spot bookings and occupancy in mass circuits.

About The Film

Raja Shivaji, presented by Jio Studios and produced under Mumbai Film Company, is directed, written, and produced by Riteish Deshmukh. The film features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, and Abhishek Bachchan. It is set to release worldwide on May 1, 2026, in Marathi and Hindi.

Conclusion

With strong advance booking trends, record-breaking Marathi pre-sales, and the added push of a public holiday, Raja Shivaji is heading towards a promising start at the box office. While the Marathi version is expected to dominate, the Hindi version’s performance will be crucial in determining the film’s overall pan-India trajectory.

Note: Box office figures are based on estimates and may vary.