The release of Chhaava, a Vicky Kaushal-led biopic on Chhatrapati Sambhaji, has become a flashpoint for escalating tensions in Nagpur. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the state Assembly, drawing a direct link between the film’s portrayal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the public outrage that boiled over into violent clashes in Hansapuri and Mahal. Fadnavis described the unrest as part of a "planned attack" and assured that those responsible would face strict consequences, urging citizens to prioritize Maharashtra’s peace despite their emotional responses to the film.
The violence, which resulted in at least 30 injuries and widespread damage, unfolded after protests led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. Demonstrators took to the streets, driven by rumors that religious items had been desecrated. The protests quickly escalated, with mobs pelting stones, torching vehicles, and attacking both civilians and police officers. Fadnavis warned that no one would be allowed to disrupt law and order, even as he acknowledged the film had fueled long-held anger against Aurangzeb’s historical legacy.
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the violence, echoing Fadnavis’s assertion that the unrest appeared premeditated. He detailed how a crowd of 2,000 to 3,000 people attacked homes and businesses in Mominpura, Chitnis Nagar, and other neighborhoods, targeting not only residents but also law enforcement officials. Shinde called the attack a deliberate attempt to stoke communal flames, vowing that the state government would ensure justice and prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, the situation has ignited a political firestorm. Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury filed a suspension notice in the Rajya Sabha, demanding an urgent discussion on what she described as a "complete breakdown of communal harmony and law and order." Chowdhury criticized both the state and Central governments for failing to prevent the violence, pointing out that Nagpur, known for its multicultural coexistence, had not witnessed such riots in over 300 years. She argued that the unrest was symptomatic of a larger failure in governance and called for immediate intervention to restore stability.
In the wake of the clashes, a curfew has been imposed in several parts of Nagpur to prevent further violence. Police have arrested more than 60 individuals involved in the riots, and approximately 30 vehicles were set on fire during the chaos. Reports suggest that the violence was further inflamed by calls to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra — a demand that has added fuel to an already volatile atmosphere.
Fadnavis, who is personally overseeing the investigation, promised swift action and emphasized that no political or religious agenda would be allowed to disrupt the state’s unity. He urged citizens to remain calm and avoid falling prey to misinformation or provocative statements circulating on social media. The Chief Minister also praised the police for their efforts in containing the riots despite facing attacks themselves, acknowledging the bravery of officers who sustained injuries while trying to restore order.
As Maharashtra reels from the aftermath of the violence, the incident has sparked a wider debate about the intersection of history, cinema, and politics. While Chhaava has resonated deeply with many viewers, depicting Chhatrapati Sambhaji’s resistance against Aurangzeb, critics argue that the film has inadvertently stoked communal sentiments. Political analysts note that the timing of the unrest — coming months before key elections — could further polarize voters, with rival parties already trading blame over the handling of the situation.
The Maharashtra government remains under immense pressure to not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also to prevent further outbreaks of violence. As curfews, arrests, and political tensions dominate headlines, the legacy of Chhaava may extend far beyond the box office, shaping Maharashtra’s social and political landscape for months to come.
