The recent Vicky Kaushal movie Chhaava has gained inclement reactions and has, as claimed by many, blanched the country into violence. With its gripping demonstration of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maratha resistance against the Muslim empire and the struggle that Sambhaji endured in defending the Maratha Empire against the Muslim empire, the movie has unleashed outrage in the nation. While the movie has been applauded for its graphics and has achieved box office success, grossing approximately Rs. 465 cr worldwide within ten days of its release, it has also raised allegations of rekindling historical grievances and inciting violence. The film’s negative depiction of Aurangzeb as a tyrant, a role played by Shivaji Satam, an Indian actor, has aroused debates. The controversy also clambered into the political landscape where Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi was suspended from Maharashtra for his remark praising Aurangzeb as a “good administrator” and stating, “During Aurangzeb’s time, India was considered a golden bird.”
The recent unrest in Nagpur, Maharashtra, has been loosely associated with the release of the movie. The unrest initially started over the tomb of Aurangzeb when members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) organized a protest demanding the dismantling of Aurangzeb’s tomb located in the nearby city of Aurangabad. The protest turned violent as the mob burned an effigy of Aurangzeb. The unrest has reportedly resulted in injuries to at least 34 officers, one of whom is critically wounded. In response to the violence, Nagpur Police on Tuesday said that as many as 50 individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the unrest. Further investigations are underway, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and social media posts to identify any additional suspects involved in the violence.
Stones Pelted, Vandalism Initiated, Arson Unfolded
Tension flared in the heart of the city on Monday evening where stones were pelted, vandalism was initiated and arson was unfolded. In response to the violence, local authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in several parts of Nagpur to restore order. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, condemned the violence and called for strict measures to maintain public peace.
“The violence erupted when a Hindutva group burned an effigy of Aurangzeb swaddled in a cloth bearing Islamic scriptures, a claim contested by the Hindu group. Muhammad, a resident of Nagpur, said while talking to FoEJ Media.
“The Muslim group, following this incident, went to the nearby police station to file an FIR, but the police refused to register the complaint, which led to the protests.,” he added.
When asked about the current situation in the city, Muhammad said, “The city is returning to normalcy, but all schools and shops remain closed.”
As reported by the news agency ANI, City Commissioner of Police Ravinder Kumar Singal confirmed that the situation in the area had returned to normal. “The situation is peaceful now, we have imposed a curfew under the area of around 11 police stations. The situation is under control,” he said and the ANI stated.
“We have taken more than 50 people into custody. Other than that, if people are being seen in CCTV’s and in social media posts of doing such acts of violence of damaging property and disturbing peace, then we are identifying them and catching them, ” he further added.
Netizens in Uproar
The Nagpur violence has spilled over onto social media, with users expressing their views on the matter and sharing their opinions on X (formerly Twitter). Taking a jab at the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for his statement on Nagpur Violence, a netizen identified as Manish RJ has called the Deputy Minister a “Shameless person.”
“Few days back, he made a statement about demolishing #Aurengzeb’s tomb. Now that the violent clashes have erupted, he royally blames the movie. Shameless person!” he posted
Earlier in the month, BJP leader and former MP Navneet Rana had demanded the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra, while criticizing Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi for his praise of the Mughal emperor. In a video message, Rana suggested that individuals like Azmi should watch the recently released film Chhava to understand the brutal treatment Aurangzeb inflicted on Maharashtra’s King Sambhaji Maharaj.
Responding to the statement of Navneet Rana, the Chief Minister, Maharashtra said,
“We all also want the same thing, but you need to do it within the framework of the law, because it is a protected site. The site was put under ASI’s (Archaeological Survey of India) protection during the Congress regime some years back,”
Meanwhile, reacting to the Nagpur violence he said, “Chhava movie has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb…” “Those who support Aurengzeb should read history and watch the Chhava Movie.”
While another user Cataleya says, #Chhaava syndrome has been fabricated as part of a narrative pushed by the RSS-BJP, claiming that certain groups venerate Aurangzeb. In response, these organizations are organizing nationwide protests, with the movement beginning at their headquarters. This manufactured narrative aims to rally support and stir up sentiment, leveraging the controversy surrounding the Mughal emperor’s legacy for political purposes.
“RSS is celebrating Holi + Diwali in Nagpur The manufactured #Chhaava syndrome, where RSS-BJP creates a false narrative that “some people worship Aurangzeb”, so we take rallies nationwide in protest, starting from its headquarters,” she posted.
Vicky Kaushal has created a record of doing such a film #Chhaava which divided communities and instigated people for riots. Hope people will stop watching his films.
Vicky Kaushal’s films, such as Raazi (2018) and Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), have also attracted significant controversy. Both movies have sparked debates due to their sensitive portrayals of national security, the India-Pakistan relationship, and the themes of nationalism, often raising questions about their political undertones and impact on public sentiment.
#AlleyesonNagpur Goes Viral
Another user, Ransh claims that the unrest in Nagpur was not a spontaneous event, but rather a pre-planned action by certain groups, who were allegedly prepared for riots and arson. #AlleyesonNagpur
“Nothing happened suddenly in Nagpur… Everything was pre-planned by Muslims, were already prepared for riots and arson
#AlleyesonNagpur” he posted.
