Why is Chhaava in Embroiled in Controversy? All You Need to Know

Mumbai: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna -starrer historic film Chhaava has been embroiled in controversy from before its release. From the Lezim dance sequence to a defamation suit, here are the controversies that have surrounded the film…

Why is Vicky Kaushal-Starrer Chhaava Embroiled in Controversy?

Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, shows the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Shivaji Maharaj, and his fight against the Mughal Empire. The film portrays the ruthless capture and execution of Sambhaji by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who, with the help of his brother-in-law Ganoji Shirke, orchestrates the brutal act. While the film has collected over Rs 580 crore in India and has grossed over Rs 780 crore worldwide, the film has been in the news for the controversies that it has stirred.

Also Read: Chhaava: Vicky Kaushal Starrer To Be Screened In Parliament, PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Ministers To Attend

Lezim Dance Sequence

Before its release on February 14, the film sparked controversy due to a scene depicting Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj dancing. This led to threats from Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant, who warned that they wouldn't let the movie be released if historians and scholars raised any objections. In response, director Laxman Utekar issued a statement and removed all the 'objectionable scenes.'

Families of Ganoji and Kanhoj Shirke Filed Rs 100Cr Lawsuit Against Chhaava Makers

Chhaava portrays the capture of Sambhaji Maharaj by the Mughals, highlighting the involvement of the Shirke family in the conspiracy. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje, also known as Ganoji Shirke, and his brother Kanhoji Shirke were the brothers-in-law of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. In Chhaava, the film depicts the capture of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj by Sheikh Nizam Mukarrab Khan at Sangameshwar, showing Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke accompanying Khan, which leads to their portrayal as potential conspirators.

Relatives of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, played by Sarang Sathaye and Suvrat Joshi in the film, objected to how the familial ties between the Shirkes and Bhosales were depicted and criticised the makers for ‘distorting’ the history and damaging the reputation of their family. 

Also Read: Chhaava Makers Vs Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj 'Betrayers' Kin: Why Director Laxman Utekar Apologised Over ₹100 Crore Lawsuit

The Shirke family has long been struggling against the negative portrayal of Ganoji Shirke and Kanhoji Shirke in public memory. This perception is further reinforced by Chhaava. In the 1979 novel Chhava, written by Shivaji Sawant, it is suggested that Ganoji and Kanhoji betrayed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, leading to his capture, torture by the Mughals, and eventual brutal murder due to religious conversion and surrender.

This tarnished legacy continues through Chhaava. The Shirke family has argued that the label of traitors has been politically exploited over the years, contributing to their social discrimination. In 2009, the family filed an RTI request with the directorate of archives, seeking any historical evidence connecting Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke to Sambhaji Maharaj’s capture by the Mughals. "No such proof was found," said a member of the family.

All this led to a ₹100 crore lawsuit being filed against the filmmakers, prompting director Laxman Utekar to issue an apology.

Also Read: Nagpur Violence: Fadnavis Links ‘Chhaava’ to Rising Anger Against Aurangzeb

Nagpur Violence

Following the release of Chaava, which circles around Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's capture and brutal execution by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, massive protests were held, opposing Aurangzeb's remains in Maharashtra. 

On March 17, approximately 200 to 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal assembled near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur. They called for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave, raising slogans and symbolically displaying a green cloth filled with cow dung cakes. While Hindu groups have strongly opposed the presence of the Mughal emperor’s grave, some segments of the Muslim community have resisted its removal, heightening tensions in the area.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also said that the Nagpur Violence was fueled by Chaava release. He said in tha Maharashtra Assembly, “The riots seem to be pre-planned. The movie Chhaava has stirred public anger against Aurangzeb, but people must maintain peace in Maharashtra.”

Parliament Screening of Chhaava, PM Modi to Attend

A special screening of the Vicky Kaushal-led film Chhaava will be held in Parliament on March 27, Thursday, at the Balayogi Auditorium and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Home Minister Amit Shah , and other Union Ministers. The entire cast of the film, including lead actor Vicky Kaushal and director Laxman Utekar, are also likely to be present at the screening. This is the second film screening in the parliament in the last four months, the last one being Vikrant Massey and Ridhi Dogra-starrer The Sabarmati Report.

(Inputs from PTI)