Image Source: The Hindu
The Maharashtra government has formally requested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to re-examine the clearance given to the Marathi film "Khalid Ka Shivaji" and urged that its release be put on hold in view of growing public protests and concerns over its content. The film, which portrays a secular narrative of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through the story of a Muslim boy named Khalid, has ignited a heated debate across Maharashtra involving political, social, and cultural stakeholders.
Key Highlights: Demands for Certification Review and Release Suspension
The state’s Cultural Affairs department, led by Secretary Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, sent a letter to the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting requesting the invocation of Section 6(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which allows a temporary ban by re-examining the film’s certification. The department flagged the potential for law and order issues linked to the film’s planned release on August 8, 2025.
Hindu right-wing organizations, notably the Pune-based Hindu Mahasangh, have voiced strong opposition to the film, accusing it of distorting historical facts and disrespecting the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj by presenting him as a secular figure. The group has demanded a ban and threatened protests at theaters if the film screens as certified.
Protests erupted notably during the Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards ceremony where disruptions occurred against the film's portrayal of Shivaji, leading to political reactions including from BJP ministers and the cultural minister Ashish Shelar. The minister announced plans to have the film removed from international platforms such as Cannes and investigations into how the film was submitted for screening.
Controversy Background: Secular vs. Traditional Portrayals of Shivaji Maharaj
"Khalid Ka Shivaji," directed by Raj Pritam More, tells the story of a Muslim boy who learns about Shivaji Maharaj, emphasizing inclusive and secular themes such as the substantial presence of Muslim soldiers in Shivaji’s army and the king’s reputed egalitarian stance. The trailer and dialogues highlighting this narrative have been deemed offensive by certain groups who regard Shivaji primarily as a Hindu warrior king and symbol of Hindu nationalism.
This dispute reflects a broader ideological divide in Maharashtra over Shivaji’s legacy - whether he should be remembered predominantly as a Hindu icon or a secular, inclusive ruler who fought oppression without religious prejudice, a debate that has existed for decades in regional politics and historiography.
Right-wing factions claim that the film’s narrative undermines the traditional image and self-identity associated with Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha community. Cultural historian Govind Pansare’s secular portrayal of Shivaji, which had gained prominence previously, is part of this contested narrative.
Government and Official Responses
The Maharashtra government’s move to seek re-examination of the film’s CBFC clearance indicates political sensitivity around public sentiments and aims to prevent unrest. The letter stresses the risk of disruption and appeals for a temporary ban until a thorough review is completed.
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar criticized the film’s content, labeling the portrayal as unacceptable, and pledged action to remove the film from platforms such as Cannes where it was screened without anticipated scrutiny.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has issued notices to the film’s producers seeking explanations and evidence supporting the story’s content following multiple complaints.
Social Impact and Public Sentiment
The controversy has mobilized both supporters and critics of the film, sparking debates on freedom of artistic expression versus respect for historical and cultural icons.
Community leaders and political figures have engaged actively, reflecting the significance of Shivaji Maharaj as a unifying symbol and the sensitivity around his representation.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Maharashtra’s cultural politics and the powerful role cinema plays in shaping and contesting historical narratives.
Outlook and Potential Legal Developments
If the CBFC re-examines the certification and finds grounds consistent with the complaints, it may lead to modifications of the film, denial of certification, or an official ban on public exhibition.
Legal challenges and political advocacy efforts from both sides are expected as the controversy escalates ahead of the scheduled release.
The outcome could set an important precedent for how films involving historical figures and sensitive cultural subjects are treated in India’s certification and regulatory framework.
In conclusion, the Maharashtra government’s appeal for CBFC to reconsider the certification of "Khalid Ka Shivaji" and halt its release epitomizes a complex clash between artistic freedom and cultural sentiment. As protests and political responses intensify, the case underscores the sensitive nature of historical portrayals in Indian cinema and the balancing act of governance to ensure public harmony.
Sources: India Today, Indian Express, Times of India
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