The Bombay High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to stall the release of the film Raja Shivaji, clearing the way for its theatrical debut on May 1, 2026. The petition challenged the film’s title, objecting to the omission of the honorific “Chhatrapati” before Shivaji Maharaj’s name.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad ruled that the plea lacked genuine public interest and appeared to be motivated. The court observed that the film’s title was not derogatory and did not diminish the legacy or stature of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The petitioners argued that dropping the title “Chhatrapati” hurt public sentiments and sought a change in the film’s name, along with a stay on its release. However, the court rejected these claims, noting that the petition was filed just days before the scheduled release, raising concerns over its timing and intent.

Representing the filmmakers, legal counsel told the court that the film focuses on Shivaji Maharaj’s life before his coronation as “Chhatrapati” in 1674. A disclaimer explaining this context has already been included and approved by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), ensuring clarity for audiences.

With no valid grounds to halt the project, Raja Shivaji, directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, is set to release as scheduled. The ruling comes as a relief to the filmmakers and reinforces the court’s stance that last-minute legal challenges without a substantive public cause will not obstruct film releases.