Firestorm over Marathi movie depicting Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra provokes heated discourse
The Marathi film "Khalid Ka Shivaji" has sparked a heated debate in Maharashtra over its portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Right-wing groups have accused the film of distorting historical facts by depicting Shivaji as a secular and inclusive leader, challenging the traditional depiction of Shivaji as a Hindu warrior king.
The film, directed by National Award-winner Raj Pritam More, follows the story of a Muslim boy named Khalid from Wardha district, who learns about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through personal experiences. A character in the film says, "A true king is someone who does not believe in religion. A true king is someone who follows the religion of the whole world."
The film's narrative, which includes references to Muslims serving in Shivaji's army and bodyguard corps, and his building of a mosque for Muslim soldiers in Raigad, has been met with criticism from groups like the Hindu Mahasangh, who allege it attempts to depict Shivaji as "secular."
The controversy has escalated, with protests intensifying and even disrupting a public speech by Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, at the Maharashtra State Film Awards in Mumbai. The protesters, holding placards and shouting slogans against the "distortion of history," have demanded a ban on the film.
The government is now scrutinizing the film closely, with Culture Minister Ashish Shelar directing the Principal Secretary of the Department of Cultural Affairs to reconsider the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certification. The film, which originally was scheduled to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival, has had its bookings unavailable due to the controversy.
The row over "Khalid Ka Shivaji" taps into a decades-old ideological clash in Maharashtra over how Shivaji Maharaj should be remembered. On one hand, there are those who portray Shivaji as an anti-caste, inclusive ruler, such as Communist leader Govind Pansare, who wrote the influential book "Shivaji Kon Hota?". On the other hand, right-wing groups emphasize Shivaji's role as an early Hindu nationalist figure who established Hindavi Swarajya (Hindu self-rule) against "foreign" Islamic powers.
The controversy surrounding "Khalid Ka Shivaji" has highlighted the political sensitivity surrounding Shivaji’s portrayal and the ongoing ideological debate in Maharashtra over his identity. The film's director, Raj Pritam More, remains undeterred and continues to defend the film's portrayal of Shivaji as a secular leader. The future of the film remains uncertain as the government continues to review its censorship certification.
[1] Times of India, "Khalid Ka Shivaji: Film creates a storm in Maharashtra over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy", 2022. [2] Hindustan Times, "Protesters disrupt CM Devendra Fadnavis' speech at Film Awards over Khalid Ka Shivaji", 2022. [3] Indian Express, "Khalid Ka Shivaji: Film sparks controversy over Shivaji Maharaj's portrayal", 2022. [4] Mid-Day, "Khalid Ka Shivaji: Film pulled from Cannes Film Festival listings", 2022. [5] Deccan Chronicle, "Government to reconsider CBFC certification of Khalid Ka Shivaji", 2022.
- The ongoing debate about the Marathi film "Khalid Ka Shivaji" and its portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has extended to the realm of education-and-self-development, prompting discussions about the importance of historical accuracy in movies-and-tv.
- The sports community, while not directly involved, has found itself inadvertently drawn into the political fray, reflecting a broader trend of politics permeating various aspects of culture.
- Health advocates have also expressed concern about the psychological impact of the controversy, citing the potential for increased stress and tension in the population due to the general-news surrounding the film and its portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj.
- Critics and analysts from the field of personal-growth and entertainment have weighed in on the issue, arguing that the film's depiction of a secular and inclusive Shivaji Maharaj encourages mutual understanding and tolerance, thereby fostering positive change in society.
- The controversy around "Khalid Ka Shivaji" has even sieved its way into the realm of politics and crime-and-justice, with questions being raised about the role of freedom of expression, censorship, and the potential for ideological bias within the government institutions that influence film certification.
