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Chhaava Controversy: Utekar's Apology After Defamation Threat? Mon February 24th, 2025

On Valentine's Day, Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna debuted in the film Chhaava. Kaushal played the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The descendants of Maratha soldiers Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke have taken issue with the movie, despite the fact that it has garnered a lot of appreciation nationwide. They vowed to file a defamation action for Rs 100 crore, claiming that the movie misrepresents their forefathers. According to recent reports, filmmaker Laxman Utekar responded by apologizing.

Director Laxman Utekar allegedly apologized to Bhushan Shirke, a descendant of the Maratha soldiers, according to local Maharashtra news sites. According to a Marathi news website called Pudhari, Utekar personally apologized to Bhushan Shirke for inadvertently offending the family.

"Chhaava purposefully avoided mentioning the surnames or the native villages of Ganoji and Kanhoji," the filmmaker explained. He underlined that there were no particular identities in the movie—only their first names were mentioned. According to reports, Utekar expressed his heartfelt regret if the Shirke family felt uncomfortable as a result of the portrayal in the movie.

Ganoji and Kanhoji, two of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's closest associates, are portrayed in Chhaava as treacherizing the Maratha leader by siding with Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, which ultimately results in Sambhaji's terrible death.

Laxmikant Raje Shirke, the 13th descendant of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, criticized the producers for a "misinterpretation of historical facts" after the film's premiere, according to the Free Press Journal, saying it harmed the family's heritage. He declared in a formal statement that director Laxman Utekar had received a legal letter indicating that a defamation litigation for Rs 100 crore was planned.

On February 20, the Shirke family formally requested that the film be clarified and corrected as needed. Additionally, they threatened to start protests throughout the state if their issues were not taken seriously and resolved.

Chhaava captures the bravery and tenacity of the legitimate heir to the Maratha empire and takes the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to the big screen. Rashmika Mandanna plays the resolute and independent Yesubai Bhonsale, while Vicky Kaushal plays the formidable role of the fearless warrior prince.

Akshaye Khanna plays the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the film, while Vineet Kumar Singh plays the devoted Kavi Kalash. Ashutosh Rana and Divya Dutta play important roles.

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman's heartfelt score enhances the film's emotional depth, which was directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner.

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