CHAAVA

The controversy surrounding Vicky Kaushal's film Chhaava has escalated following recent riots in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The unrest began after protests over the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb led to violent clashes. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has attributed the violence to the film, stating that it "ignited people's anger against Aurangzeb" and that the riots appeared to be "pre-planned" .​

CASTING AND DIRECTOR

Directed by Laxman Utekar and starring Vicky Kaushal, Chhaava has all the storytelling skill of a college theatre production, and the attitude of a Thar-driving goon for whom rules don’t apply. For a movie that uses its characters as mouthpieces to explain what’s going on — they’re prone to narrating each other’s backstories, providing historical context, and making grand pronouncements — it isn’t very easy to follow. In a nutshell, it traces the nearly decade-long conflict between the Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, played by Akshaye Khanna in a performance so muted that Ranveer Singh might spontaneously combust in disbelief.

SUMMARY

Chhaava, which portrays the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has faced criticism for its depiction of historical events. The film shows Maratha commanders Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke as traitors who enabled Sambhaji Maharaj's capture by Aurangzeb. Descendants of the Shirke family have filed lawsuits, alleging that the film inaccurately portrays their ancestors and damages their reputation .​

On social media, reactions have been mixed. Some users have defended the film, arguing that it is a work of art and should not be blamed for the violence. Others have criticized the filmmakers for allegedly inciting communal tensions. A journalist pointed out that while the film earned ₹553 crore, the actors and producers are "sitting in their Mercedes" while people are protesting on the streets 

In response to the backlash, the filmmakers have removed a controversial dance sequence from the film. The sequence, featuring a Lezim folk dance, was criticized for its portrayal of Maratha culture. Some Maratha outfits had protested against the sequence, urging the filmmakers to consult historians to ensure historical accuracy

As the situation unfolds, the debate continues over the responsibilities of filmmakers in portraying historical events and the potential impact of such portrayals on public sentiment.