A special screening of the Bollywood blockbuster Chhaava is set to take place at Parliament’s Balayogi Auditorium this Thursday. The event is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, several Union Ministers, and Members of Parliament. Lead actor Vicky Kaushal, who plays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, will also be present, alongside producer Dinesh Vijan, director Laxman Utekar, and other key members of the cast and crew.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava has emerged as a box office phenomenon, raking in over $60 million and marking the highest-grossing film of Vicky Kaushal’s career. The period drama, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna, brings to life the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Prime Minister Modi previously praised the film’s impact at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, highlighting how Chhaava has captivated audiences. He credited Marathi author Shivaji Sawant’s novel Chhava for spotlighting the Maratha warrior’s legacy, emphasizing its cultural significance.
However, the film has not been without controversy. Its depiction of Sambhaji Maharaj’s execution under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb has sparked intense political debates. Right-wing groups have responded with demands to demolish Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra, leading to widespread protests, particularly in Nagpur. The unrest has resulted in violent clashes, prompting curfews and police intervention.
Amid escalating tensions, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged citizens to maintain peace, even as the film remains a focal point of heated discussions. Despite the controversy, Chhaava continues to attract large audiences, reinforcing its dominance at the box office.
