The Parliament will hold a special screening of the blockbuster Bollywood film Chhaava at the Balayogi Auditorium this Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Union Ministers and Members of Parliament, are expected to attend the event. The film’s lead actor, Vicky Kaushal, who plays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, is also set to be present alongside producer Dinesh Vijan, director Laxman Utekar and more cast and crew from the film.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava has been a massive success at the box office, crossing the ₹500 crore mark and becoming Vicky Kaushal’s highest-grossing film. The period drama, which also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna, portrays the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
PM Modi had previously acknowledged the film’s impact during the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, stating, “In dino to Chhaava ki dhoom machi hui hai ( these days, Chhaava is making waves everywhere)“. He credited Marathi author Shivaji Sawant’s novel Chhava for bringing Sambhaji Maharaj’s story to the forefront, emphasising the cultural significance of the Maratha warrior.
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While Chhaava has been widely celebrated, it has also sparked immense controversy. The film’s depiction of Sambhaji Maharaj’s execution under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb has fueled political discourse, with right-wing groups calling for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra. Recent protests, particularly in Nagpur, escalated into violent clashes, leading to curfews and police crackdowns.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged citizens to maintain peace, even as the film remains at the center of heated debates.
Despite the controversy, Chhaava continues to draw massive audiences.
Published – March 25, 2025 11:14 am IST