Indian Express says Raja Shivaji is a grand, Amar Chitra Katha-style historical spectacle led sincerely by Riteish Deshmukh, but it keeps the conflict too black and white and becomes repetitive in the second half.

Variety India calls Raja Shivaji an ambitious, emotionally stirring historical epic that balances spectacle with substance. The review praises Riteish Deshmukh’s restrained performance, Sanjay Dutt’s menacing Afzal Khan, Ajay-Atul’s powerful music and Santosh Sivan’s majestic visuals.

Times of India’s review says Raja Shivaji is a grand, respectful tribute that benefits from strong dialogues, sharp editing, Ajay-Atul’s music and Santosh Sivan’s visuals. It praises the film’s scale and emotional moments, but notes that some VFX looks weak, slow-motion action gets tiring, and the packed narrative feels rushed in places.

Hindustan Times’ review says Raja Shivaji is visually grand and well-intentioned, but feels more admirable than emotionally gripping. It praises Riteish Deshmukh’s effort, scale, dialogues and strong performances, while noting the disjointed first half, weak background score, and long runtime reduce the impact.

Koimoi’s review says Raja Shivaji is a grand yet grounded historical drama that celebrates not just Shivaji Maharaj, but the entire Maratha spirit and dream of Swarajya. It praises Riteish Deshmukh’s sincere direction, and performance, strong emotional stakes, Sanjay Dutt, and Abhishek Bachchan’s impact, while noting the first half may feel heavy.

News18’s review says Raja Shivaji is a powerful, sincere historical drama that captures Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s valour and vision with emotion and scale. It praises Riteish Deshmukh’s performance and direction, though the long runtime and pacing issues slightly affect the impact.

Pinkvilla’s review says Raja Shivaji is a sincere, emotionally stirring historical drama that treats Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s story with respect, restraint and patriotic pride.

Bollywood Hungama’s review says Raja Shivaji is a stirring, mass-appealing tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, driven by drama, emotion, sharp dialogues and a powerful climax. It praises Riteish Deshmukh’s performance and direction, Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan’s impact, but notes the long runtime and mid-film dips as drawbacks.