After a right-wing protest seeking the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra's Nagpur city triggered a riot, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has pointed fingers at the Vicky Kaushal-starrer historical drama 'Chhaava' as a trigger for the violence. The movie that hit the screens last month depicted the story of Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Shivaji Maharaj, who was tortured and executed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Fadnavis, in his Assembly address, said: "Chhaava movie has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb. Still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful."
The chief minister also hinted at a conspiracy angle, stating the attacks were premeditated. "The mob targeted specific houses and establishments. It (the attack) appears to be a premeditated conspiracy," he said, adding that those who attacked the police will not be spared. Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde too had hinted at a conspiracy, stating that the riot was pre-planned.
On Nagpur violence, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "This violent incident and riots seem to be pre-planned."
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
"Chhava movie has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful." pic.twitter.com/XYaDSuBP7X
Besides Fadnavis, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also said the riots were triggered by the movie. "The depiction of Aurangzeb killing Sambhaji in 'Chhaava' triggered people's anger against Aurangzeb. But, we request everyone to maintain peace and maintain law and order. You can make demands peacefully. The Chief Minister and the security forces there are trying to keep people safe," Athawale said. The Republican Party of India (A) leader had earlier shot down demands for the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, saying its removal would not serve any purpose.
This was in Nagpur last night. Look how they plan a riot and communal tension meticulously. The images speak for themselves. No mercy for these rioters. pic.twitter.com/pK8kkGv8Hy
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) March 18, 2025
Union Minister and BJP leader Murlidhar Mahol also blamed "Chaavva" for invoking the sentiments of the people, making them realise how badly Aurangzeb had destroyed temples and killed Chatrapati Sambhaji.
Many social media users too blasted the makers for igniting the violence. "The producer of the film CHHAAVA must have got some relief today. A fire was created between two communities in Nagpur...!" one user said.
Journalist Saurabh Shukla also took to X to make a statement about the role of the movie. "After watching 'Chhaava' film, people came out on the streets with sticks and rods for Aurangzeb. Its actor Vicky Kaushal and producer have earned ₹553 crore. They’re now sitting in their Mercedes and are busy shooting another film. You are shouting slogans on the streets, breaking each other's heads," Shukla wrote.
Many also blamed the movie's makers for being fully aware of what the climax would do to the sentiments of people.
The movie's depiction of historical facts has courted legal trouble too. The film shows Maratha commanders Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke as traitors who enabled Sambhaji Maharaj's capture by Aurangzeb. The descendants of the Shirke family have taken offence to this and have sued the makers, alleging that Chhaava "incorrectly portrays their ancestors". "Our reputation has been deeply affected. The whole of India thinks of us as gaddar (traitors). If the filmmakers continue to ignore us, we will take to the streets in protest. The Shirke family numbers are in lakhs in Maharashtra," a descendant of the family told reporters.
