On Valentine’s Day, Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna’s film Chhaava premiered in theaters, with Kaushal taking on the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The movie has been lauded nationwide, but it has sparked debate among the descendants of Maratha warriors Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke who claim that the film distorts their ancestors’ images. They have threatened a defamation lawsuit worth 100 crores. However, according to recent updates, director Laxman Utekar is said to have apologized in response to these allegations.
According to local Maharashtra news sources, it’s said that Laxman Utekar, a film director, apologized to Bhushan Shirke, who is a relative of the Maratha warriors. As reported by Pudhari, a Marathi news portal, Utekar personally contacted Shirke to express his regret for inadvertently causing offense to the family.
The director made it clear that Chhaava intentionally left out the last names and hometowns of Ganoji and Kanhoji when referring to them in the movie. He underlined that the film only used their first names, without providing any additional details. As reported, Utekar expressed his heartfelt apologies if the representation of these characters in the film may have caused unease for the Shirke family.
In the story of Chhaava, it shows how Ganoji and Kanhoji, two trusted associates of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, turn against him by joining forces with Emperor Aurangzeb of the Mughals. This decision ultimately results in the tragic, violent end of Sambhaji.
After the movie’s premiere, Free Press Journal stated that Laxmikant Raje Shirke, being the 13th descendant of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, criticized the filmmakers for an alleged distortion of historical truths, asserting it had tarnished their family’s reputation. In a formal communique, he disclosed that a legal notice had been served to director Laxman Utekar, with intentions to initiate a defamation lawsuit worth approximately 100 crore rupees.
On February 20th, the Shirke family officially requested clarity and required corrections in the movie. Moreover, they expressed their intention to organize widespread demonstrations across the state if their issues were not recognized and resolved.
In this retelling, Chhaava showcases the historical exploits of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, highlighting his bravery and tenacity as the true heir to the Maratha empire. Vicky Kaushal portrays the fearless warrior prince, while Rashmika Mandanna brings to life the steadfast and resolute character of Yesubai Bhonsale.
In this movie, we see an outstanding group of actors, such as Akshaye Khanna portraying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Vineet Kumar Singh playing the faithful Kavi Kalash, Ashutosh Rana, and Divya Dutta taking on significant characters.
Under the guidance of director Laxman Utekar and the production house Maddock Films led by Dinesh Vijan, this film carries an intense emotional resonance, enhanced by a deeply moving soundtrack crafted by Academy Award-winning musician A.R. Rahman.
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2025-02-24 09:08