Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava Faces Legal Heat Over Historical Portrayal
Vicky Kaushal’s historical drama Chhaava, which highlights the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has captivated audiences and performed remarkably well at the box office.
The film has already surpassed the Rs 300 crore milestone, making it a massive success.
However, despite its commercial triumph, Chhaava has become embroiled in controversy due to objections raised by the descendants of Maratha warriors Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke regarding their portrayal in the film.
Legal Threat Over Alleged Misrepresentation
The descendants of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke have strongly criticized the filmmakers for what they claim is a misleading and unfair depiction of their ancestors.
According to them, the movie wrongly portrays the warriors as betrayers of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj by siding with Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, ultimately leading to the Maratha ruler’s downfall.
Laxmikant Raje Shirke, the 13th descendant of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, expressed deep disappointment, stating that the film distorts historical facts and damages his family’s legacy.
In response to this alleged misrepresentation, the Shirke family has issued a legal notice to the filmmakers and is preparing to file a Rs 100 crore defamation lawsuit.
Director Laxman Utekar Issues an Apology
Amidst the controversy, Chhaava director Laxman Utekar has extended a public apology to the Shirke family.
Reports indicate that he personally contacted Bhushan Shirke, one of the descendants, to express regret for any unintentional distress caused by the film.
Utekar clarified that the film does not explicitly mention the last names or village names of Ganoji and Kanhoji.
He reportedly stated, “We have only mentioned the names of Ganoji and Kanhoji in Chhaava, without referring to their surname. We’ve also made sure to not disclose the village they belonged to. Our intention was not to hurt the sentiments of the Shirke family. I sincerely apologize if Chhaava caused any discomfort.”
Potential Statewide Protests
Despite the director’s apology, the Shirke family remains firm in their demand for changes to the film’s portrayal.
They have made it clear that if their concerns are not addressed, they will escalate the matter with statewide protests.
This controversy has reignited debates on historical accuracy in films and the responsibility of filmmakers in representing historical figures authentically.
The Film’s Historical Context and Star Cast
Chhaava brings to life the heroic journey of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal. Rashmika Mandanna stars as Yesubai Bhonsale, his loyal companion.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Akshaye Khanna as Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Vineet Kumar Singh as Kavi Kalash, and seasoned actors Ashutosh Rana and Divya Dutta in pivotal roles.
Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Chhaava was released on February 14, 2025.
While the movie has received widespread acclaim for its storytelling and performances, the ongoing controversy surrounding its historical interpretation remains a key point of discussion.
A Debate on Historical Accuracy in Cinema
The uproar surrounding Chhaava highlights the delicate balance filmmakers must maintain when adapting historical narratives for the screen.
The Shirke family’s objections underscore the sensitivity of historical portrayals and the potential repercussions of misrepresentation.
This incident raises broader questions about creative liberties in filmmaking and the ethical responsibility of filmmakers to remain true to historical records.
As the debate continues, Chhaava remains both a cinematic spectacle and a subject of controversy, sparking conversations about the intersection of history and entertainment.
Despite the legal battle and objections raised, Chhaava continues to dominate the box office, reinforcing its popularity among audiences.
However, the demands of the Shirke family for historical accuracy and justice for their ancestors ensure that this controversy will remain a significant topic in the film industry.
Whether the matter is resolved through legal proceedings or revisions in the film remains to be seen, but Chhaava has undoubtedly left a lasting impact beyond its commercial success.
