Vicky Kaushal’s latest film, Chhaava, is setting new records at the box office, raking in an impressive Rs 444.50 crore worldwide within just 10 days of its release. Helmed by director Laxman Utekar, the film has been receiving praise for its storytelling and grand visuals. However, despite its commercial success, Chhaava has found itself embroiled in multiple controversies.
Historical misrepresentation
The film, which chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has sparked outrage among certain groups who claim that Chhaava distorts historical facts. The descendants of Ganoji Shirke and Kanhoji Shirke, two significant historical figures portrayed in the film, have accused the filmmakers of misrepresenting their ancestors. According to Laxmikant Raje Shirke, the 13th descendant of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, the portrayal of these warriors is inaccurate and tarnishes their legacy.
Defamation lawsuit
As a result of these allegations, the Shirke family has threatened to file a Rs 100 crore defamation lawsuit against the makers of Chhaava. This is not the first time the film has faced backlash. Earlier, certain dance sequences sparked protests, leading the filmmakers to remove the objectionable scenes to avoid further controversy.
In response to the latest accusations, director Laxman Utekar met with the Shirke family and issued a public apology. He clarified that the film only mentioned the names of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke without using their surnames or referring to their villages. Utekar stated, “Our intention was never to hurt the Shirke family. If anyone has suffered any pain due to Chhaava, I sincerely apologize.”
Despite the ongoing controversy, Chhaava continues to draw audiences to theatres, maintaining its dominance at the box office.