Controversy erupts over 'Chhaava', accused of 'misrepresenting history', threat of defamation case of Rs 100 crore

A big controversy has erupted over Vicky Kaushal's film 'Chhaava' which is making waves in theatres. This film based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has been accused of 'showing wrong history'. Many groups of Maharashtra are opposing the film with this allegation. The controversy has reached such a point that a warning has been given to file a defamation suit of Rs 100 crore against 'Chhaava'. The film's director Laxman Utekar has also apologized in this matter. Let us tell you how this controversy happened.

'Chhaava' accused of 'showing wrong history'

Vicky Kaushal's film 'Chhaava' is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who took over the flag of the Maratha Empire after the death of his father Chhatrapati Shivaji. Sambhaji led the Marathas from 1681 to 1689 and during this time he fought many wars.

In a battle of 1687, Sambhaji's army defeated the Mughal army, but after this battle his military power started weakening. During this period, there is also a history of conspiracies against him. Finally, Mughal soldiers succeeded in capturing Sambhaji in Sangameshwar. He was presented before Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and tortured. The way the Mughal ruler treated him and the brutality with which he was killed, an attempt has been made to show the same in the story of 'Chhaava'.

In the film, two characters named Ganoji and Kanhoji are shown betraying Sambhaji Maharaj and meeting Aurangzeb. Now the descendants of Maratha warriors Ganoji Shirke and Kanhoji Shirke have opposed the film and accused it of misrepresenting history. According to Financial Express, Laxmikant Raja Shirke, the 13th descendant of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, has said that his warrior ancestors have been portrayed in a wrong way in the film, the portrayal is not accurate and it tarnishes their image. Many other groups in Maharashtra are also protesting against this.

Warning of filing a case of 100 crores

The Shirke family has lodged a strong objection to the story shown in 'Chhaava' and said that their ancestors have been unnecessarily shown in a negative light. On February 20, the Shirke family sent a legal notice to 'Chhaava' director Laxman Utekar. In the notice, a demand has been made to change the narrative of the film and remove the historical errors. The Shirke family has also warned of a defamation case of 100 crores against the makers.

Laxman Utekar apologizes

According to local news portal Pudhari, after receiving the notice, one of the descendants of the Shirke family, Bhushan Shirke, has been personally spoken to. He has apologized and said that several steps have been taken to not connect the characters directly to the Shirke clan in the film. According to reports, Utekar apologized and said, 'We have only mentioned the names of Ganoji and Kanhoji in 'Chhaava' without using their surnames. We have also ensured that the name of their village, where they came from, is also not mentioned. Our intention was not to hurt the Shirke family. If 'Chhaava' has caused any trouble, then I sincerely apologize for it.'

Shirke family's response to Laxman's apology

According to Bollywood Hungama's report, despite Laxman Utekar's apology, the Shirke family is adamant that corrective changes should be made in the film. They have warned that if their concerns are not addressed, they will protest against it across the state. In the legal notice, the filmmakers have been asked to remove all such scenes that show a wrong image of the people related to history or disrespect their heritage.

Let us tell you, in 'Chava', while Vicky Kaushal is playing the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Rashmika Mandana is playing the role of his wife Yesubai Bhosale. Vineet Kumar Singh has played the role of Kavi Kalash in the film while Akshay Khanna is seen in the role of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. 'Chava', released in theaters on February 14, is winning the hearts of the audience. In 11 days, this film has collected more than 340 crores net India and more than 450 crores gross at the worldwide box office.