The Bombay High Court on Thursday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking a stay on the theatrical release of Marathi/Hindi film ‘Raja Shivaji’ [Sree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Foundation v. Union of India & Ors.]
The PIL was filed by the NGO Sree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Foundation (petitioner) taking objection to the omission of the honorific “Chhatrapati” from the title of the movie.
This was disrespectful towards the 17th century Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on whom the movie is based, the petitioner said.
The PIL demanded that the movie title be changed to ‘Chhatrapati Raja Shivaji’.
However, a Bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad held that the PIL did not espouse any public cause and was a motivated petition.
“This PIL is motivated and it is quite apparent from the records as just 2 days before the release of the film, this PIL has been filed. In our opinion, the title of the movie in no manner is derogatory to status of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” the Court held.
The PIL named the Union of India, the State of Maharashtra and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as respondents, apart from actor‑director Riteish Deshmukh, producers Jyoti Deshpande, Genelia Deshmukh and Mumbai Film Company Pvt Ltd.
Advocate Manoj Kumar Mishra, appearing for the petitioner-NGO sought directions to restrain the release, screening, broadcast and public exhibition of “Raja Shivaji” .
It was contended that the title of the movie hurt the sentiments of followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and diluted his historically and culturally recognised status as a sovereign ruler.
The petitioner also sought directions to the CBFC to re‑examine the film’s title in line with constitutional principles and certification guidelines.
The producers through advocate Shardul Singh explained to the court that the film depicted the Maratha ruler’s life before he was coronated as ‘Chhatrapati’ in 1674 CE. This disclaimer had been added in the film which the CBFC had approved.
He stated that the movie was announced in February 2024 and the date of release of May 1, 2026 was announced in 2025. This had always been in public domain.
The Court noted that the petitioner-NGO only produced certain information retrieved from Wikipedia and on that basis, endeavoured to present a picture as if movie title was derogatory to status of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
“A PIL which originated with guiding philosophy to ensure that voice of voiceless is heard in a court of law, seems to have been deduced/reduced by a petition like a present one and is dismissed,” the Court ordered.
Singh was briefed by law firm SHS Chambers.