Chhaava Faces Defamation Threat Over Historical Portrayal
The historical drama Chhaava is embroiled in controversy as the descendants of Maratha warriors Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke accuse the film of misrepresenting their ancestors. The Shirke family has threatened to file a defamation suit worth Rs 100 crores against the filmmakers, claiming that the movie portrays their forebears in a negative light. In light of the allegations, director Laxman Utekar has issued an apology, seeking to clarify the film’s depiction of historical figures.
Allegations Against Chhaava
The conflict centers on the film’s narrative, which depicts Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke as betrayers of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj by siding with Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. This portrayal has sparked outrage from the Shirke family, who assert that their ancestors have been unjustly vilified. On February 20, the family formally served a legal notice to Utekar, demanding that the filmmakers amend the film’s storyline to prevent further historical misrepresentation. The family insists that the film’s current depiction tarnishes their legacy and misleads audiences about the true nature of their ancestors’ actions.
Laxman Utekar’s Clarification
In response to the legal notice, director Laxman Utekar reached out to Bhushan Shirke, a descendant of the Shirke family, to address their concerns directly. According to a report from local news portal Pudhari, Utekar expressed regret over the situation, stating that he had taken steps to avoid directly associating the characters with the Shirke lineage. “We have only mentioned the names of Ganoji and Kanhoji in Chhaava, without referring to their surname. We’ve also made sure to not disclose the village they belonged to. Our intention was not to hurt the sentiments of the Shirke family. I sincerely apologise if Chhaava caused any discomfort,” Utekar reportedly conveyed.
Shirke Family’s Response and Further Action
Despite Utekar’s apology, the Shirke family remains resolute in their demands for changes to the film. They have warned of potential statewide protests if their grievances are not adequately addressed. The legal notice calls for the filmmakers to alter any scenes that could misrepresent the historical figures or damage their legacy. The film, which features Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhosale, Vineet Kumar Singh as Kavi Kalash, and Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb, continues to attract audiences despite the ongoing dispute. The controversy surrounding Chhaava raises important questions about the portrayal of historical figures in cinema and the responsibilities filmmakers have toward historical accuracy.
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