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Raja Shivaji (2026) Ending Explained – How does Shivaji trick Afzal Khan?

May 4, 2026 by Aziz

Starring Riteish Deshmukh in the title role, Raja Shivaji tells the early story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, tracing his journey from birth to one of the most defining moments in Maratha history—the Battle of Pratapgad. Set in 1630, the film begins with Shivaji’s birth to Shahaji Bhosale and Jijabai. After years of political alliances and military service, Shahaji serves the Bijapur Sultanate under Mohammed Adil Shah. Tensions rise when Afzal Khan, with the support of Khadija Sultana, manipulates Shivaji’s elder brother, Sambhaji Raje, into serving the Bijapur court. Afzal later kills Sambhaji, leaving Shivaji devastated and determined to seek revenge. Jijabai demands justice, asking her son to bring back Afzal Khan’s head. Why Does Khadija Sultana Target Shivaji? After Shivaji captures the Jawali region and expands Maratha influence in the Sahyadri mountains, the Bijapur court begins to view him as a serious threat. Following Mohammed Adil Shah’s death, his son Ali Adil Shah II ascends the throne, with his mother, Khadija Sultana—also known as Badi Sahiba—serving as regent. Fearing Shivaji’s growing power, Khadija orders Afzal Khan to eliminate him before the Maratha leader becomes impossible to stop. At the same time, Shivaji and Saibai welcome their son, Sambhaji Bhosale, named in honor of Shivaji’s late brother. What Happens Before Afzal Khan Leaves for Jawali? Before beginning his campaign, Afzal Khan visits a Sufi saint known as Peer Baba, hoping to receive a favorable prediction. Instead, the saint’s uncertainty leaves him unsettled. Shortly afterward, his trusted elephant suddenly dies, which further shakes his confidence. Back at camp, Afzal’s wives begin questioning his fate. Enraged by what he sees as disloyalty and weakness, Afzal kills all 63 of them in one of the film’s darkest sequences. What Does Saibai Tell Shivaji at Rajgad? As Afzal’s forces move closer, Shivaji’s trusted commander Tanaji Malusare advises him to leave Rajgad and prepare strategically. Meanwhile, Saibai privately tells Shivaji about her declining health. Choosing to remain behind, she says farewell and prays for his victory, knowing they may never meet again. At the same time, Afzal continues his advance, capturing territories between Bijapur and Pune and spreading fear across the region. How Does Shivaji Prepare at Pratapgad? At Pratapgad Fort, Shivaji avoids direct confrontation and instead focuses on psychological warfare. He orders his men to abandon nearby forts, allowing Afzal Khan to believe the Marathas are retreating in fear. Heavy monsoon rains force Afzal’s army to camp in Mawal, slowing their progress and lowering morale. When Afzal sends his adviser Krishnaji Bhaskar to deliver a message, Shivaji pretends to be seriously ill. The deception convinces Afzal that Shivaji is weak, frightened, and physically incapable of battle. Rather than reply directly, Shivaji sends his envoy Pantji to continue negotiations. How Does Shivaji Lure Afzal Khan to Pratapgad? Months of rain, harsh living conditions, and repeated pressure from Khadija Sultana gradually break Afzal Khan’s patience. Mocked by the Bijapur court for his lack of progress, Afzal finally agrees to meet Shivaji at Pratapgad. Both sides agree to a private meeting inside a shamiana, with no guards and no visible weapons. Unknown to Afzal, Shivaji has already planned every detail. How Does Shivaji Kill Afzal Khan? During the meeting, Afzal Khan appears calm and asks Shivaji for an embrace as a sign of peace. Instead, he suddenly attempts to crush Shivaji and stabs him with a concealed weapon. However, Shivaji has anticipated betrayal. Beneath his robes, he wears protective chainmail armor that absorbs the attack. Shivaji then strikes back using his legendary tiger claws, known as wagh nakh, along with a concealed blade, mortally wounding Afzal Khan. This moment becomes the film’s defining scene, showing that Shivaji’s greatest weapon is not strength—but preparation. How Does Raja Shivaji End? As Afzal Khan’s screams echo outside the tent, his bodyguard Bada Sayyad rushes in to attack Shivaji. Shivaji’s loyal protector, Jiva Mahale, intercepts the attack and saves his king. Outside, the Maratha forces launch their assault, overwhelming the Adil Shahi army. With the battle won, Shivaji sends Afzal Khan’s severed head to Jijabai, finally avenging his brother’s death. Back in Bijapur, Khadija Sultana is left powerless as news of Shivaji’s victory spreads. Our Take on the Ending Raja Shivaji builds its climax around one of the most famous encounters in Indian history, focusing on strategy, patience, and calculated revenge rather than large-scale warfare. The film portrays Shivaji not simply as a warrior, but as a leader who understands that intelligence can defeat brute force. His victory over Afzal Khan is not just personal revenge—it marks the rise of a ruler who would go on to challenge entire empires. While the film takes cinematic liberties in several places, its ending successfully captures the legendary confrontation that helped define Shivaji’s legacy.

Raja Shivaji (2022) Directed by Ravi Jadhav Raja Shivaji stars Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and narrates the early … Read more

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