Overview
- Raja Shivaji opened on May 1 and has become a record‑breaking Marathi film, earning over ₹100 crore and later reported at about ₹117.4 crore worldwide.
- A clip from a private success party showed Riteish Deshmukh dancing in a T‑shirt printed with an image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was widely shared online.
- The video prompted sharp online criticism that the depiction disrespected a deeply revered historical figure and led some users to allege he appeared intoxicated.
- On June 4 Deshmukh posted an Instagram clarification saying he did not drink, that the T‑shirt was used for promotion and that the person who filmed the clip was not invited, and he offered a public apology for any hurt caused.
- No formal complaints or legal actions have been reported in the coverage so far, and the episode has intensified public debate in Maharashtra about how revered icons are portrayed and how quickly social media can escalate private moments into reputational crises.