The trailer launch of ‘Raja Shivaji’ was a poignant family affair for the Deshmukh clan. While the historical epic boasts a star-studded ensemble, it was Rahyl Deshmukh, the 10-year-old son of Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, who stole the spotlight by making his acting debut as the young Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.Directed by Riteish Deshmukh himself, the film is being hailed as a grand tribute to the Maratha Empire, set to hit screens on May 1, 2026.
Rahyl Deshmukh in ‘Raja Shivaji’ trailer
The trailer launched grandly in Mumbai on Monday. It begins with a youthful Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj declaring swaraj, delving into the warrior king’s formative years, embodied by Rahyl Deshmukh. Riteish portrays the grown Shivaji, Genelia as his spouse, Saibai, and the clip showcases his fierce battles against the Mughals for swaraj.
Riteish Deshmukh at trailer launch
At the trailer launch, Riteish got teary-eyed thanking his crew and inner circle for backing the film. He shared, “I am very thankful to Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan and the entire team of Raja Shivaji who decided to become a part of this movie. Abhishek stood with me like a brother.” Genelia, doubling as producer, also appeared moved at the event.
Rahyl Deshmukh’s background
Rahyl, born in 2016, is the younger son of Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, with elder brother Riaan arriving in 2014. The siblings are frequently lauded for their courteous nature and namaste greetings to paparazzi. The couple regularly posts genuine family vacation snaps on social media. Back at his 2016 show ‘Yaaron Ki Baraat’ launch, Riteish reflected on parenting: “It’s totally up to them what they want to become in their lives. It’s their choice. As parents, we should not decide what our children should become. I want my kids to decide their future.”
About ‘Raja Shivaji’ cast
Directed by Riteish Deshmukh, the movie chronicles Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life as the Maratha Empire originator. With Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh as backers, ‘Raja Shivaji’ stars an impressive ensemble: Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte. Theatrical release is set for May 1.
