- Tuesday, February 25, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Vicky Kaushal’s latest film, Chhaava, continues its remarkable run at the box office, collecting an impressive Rs 444.50 crore worldwide within just ten days. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the historical drama has been praised for its storytelling, larger-than-life visuals, and gripping narrative. However, despite its commercial success, the film has sparked controversy over alleged historical misrepresentation, leading to public outrage and legal threats.
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Chhaava chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. While the film has been well-received by many, it has drawn criticism from certain groups who claim that it distorts historical facts. In particular, descendants of Ganoji Shirke and Kanhoji Shirke, two important historical figures portrayed in the movie, have accused the filmmakers of misrepresenting their ancestors.
Laxmikant Raje Shirke, the 13th descendant of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, has voiced strong opposition to the film’s depiction of these warriors. According to him, the way Chhaava presents their characters is inaccurate and damages their legacy. The controversy has ignited debates among historians and audiences, with many calling for a more responsible approach to historical storytelling in cinema.
In response to these allegations, the Shirke family has announced their intent to file a Rs 100 crore defamation lawsuit against the makers of Chhaava. The film has already faced previous protests over certain dance sequences, which led to their removal to avoid further backlash. The latest accusations have intensified scrutiny on the film, putting the makers in a difficult position.
Amid the growing controversy, director Laxman Utekar personally met with the Shirke family to address their concerns. He also issued a public apology, clarifying that the film did not use the surnames or mention the villages of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke.
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Utekar stated, “Our intention was never to hurt the Shirke family. If anyone has suffered any pain due to Chhaava, I sincerely apologize.”
His statement aimed to pacify tensions, but the controversy surrounding the film continues to dominate headlines.
Despite the legal threats and public outcry, Chhaava remains unstoppable at the box office. The film’s grand production, compelling performances, and patriotic fervor continue to draw audiences to theatres. Many fans believe that the controversy has only fueled curiosity, further boosting ticket sales.
While the debate over historical accuracy in Bollywood films remains a recurring issue, Chhaava’s success reaffirms the audience’s interest in period dramas. Whether the legal battle will affect the film’s future remains to be seen, but for now, Chhaava is riding high on its box office triumph.
