The much-anticipated historical film Chhaava has landed in legal trouble as the Shirke family, descendants of Maratha warriors Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, have issued a Rs 100 crore defamation notice to the makers. The family alleges that the film misrepresents their ancestors and distorts historical facts, particularly regarding their alleged betrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, which led to his capture by Aurangzeb.
Legal Action Against Makers of Chhaava
Laxmikant Raje Shirke, the 13th descendant of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, has taken legal action against the film’s creators, asserting that the portrayal of his ancestors is both misleading and unjust. He argues that Chhaava paints the Shirke warriors in a negative light, disregarding their contributions to Maratha history and tarnishing their legacy.
The legal notice demands that the filmmakers take corrective measures, including modifying scenes that could misrepresent the Shirke family. Failure to address these concerns, the Shirke family warns, could result in widespread protests across Maharashtra.
Director Laxman Utekar Responds with an Apology
Following the legal notice and growing controversy, Chhaava director Laxman Utekar has extended an apology to the Shirke family. According to local Marathi news outlet Pudhari, Utekar personally contacted Bhushan Shirke, another descendant, to express his regret for any unintended distress caused by the film.
“Our intention was never to hurt the sentiments of the Shirke family,” Utekar clarified. “We have not explicitly mentioned the last names or village names of Ganoji and Kanhoji in the film, and there was no deliberate attempt to target the Shirke lineage. However, if Chhaava has caused discomfort, I sincerely apologize.”
Shirke Family Stands Firm on Their Demands
Despite the director’s apology, the Shirke family remains adamant about their concerns being addressed. They have called for immediate corrective actions, including edits to the film, to prevent further misrepresentation.
“We respect creative liberty,” said Laxmikant Raje Shirke, “but when history is depicted inaccurately and defames a family’s legacy, we must stand against it. We will continue to fight for justice and historical accuracy.”
The family has also warned of statewide protests if the filmmakers do not take necessary action. Their demand for historical accuracy resonates with many in Maharashtra, particularly those who revere Maratha history.
The Impact on Chhaava’s Success
Despite the controversy, Chhaava has been performing exceptionally well at the box office. The film, starring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna, has already crossed the Rs 300 crore mark in just ten days. With audiences praising its gripping narrative and stellar performances, Chhaava is on track to become one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
However, this legal battle could impact its future screenings and audience perception. Given the increasing sensitivity around historical portrayals in cinema, the controversy has sparked a larger debate on filmmakers’ responsibility to depict history with accuracy while maintaining creative expression.
What’s Next for Chhaava?
With Chhaava continuing its theatrical run, the makers now face the challenge of addressing the concerns raised by the Shirke family while ensuring that the film remains true to its artistic vision. Legal experts suggest that if the matter escalates, the court could intervene, potentially leading to mandatory edits or disclaimers.
For now, all eyes remain on the filmmakers and whether they will make the necessary changes to appease the Shirke family and prevent further legal action.
As this controversy unfolds, one thing remains certain: Chhaava has ignited an important conversation about the balance between historical accuracy and creative storytelling in Indian cinema.
