Marathi Film ‘Khalid Ka Shivaji’ Sparks Ban Demand in Maharashtra
So, here’s the thing—Khalid Ka Shivaji, a new Marathi film, has stirred up quite the storm. Right-wing groups are up in arms, demanding a ban because it shows Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in a way they don’t like. And honestly? It’s getting messy. The state government might even revoke its certification. Talk about a clash between art and culture, huh?
1. What’s the Film Actually About?
Okay, let me break it down. The movie’s directed by a fresh face in the industry, and it’s not your typical Shivaji story. It follows this modern guy, Khalid, who’s rethinking Shivaji’s legacy—focusing more on unity than just battles. The cast is solid, full of well-known Marathi actors, and people are calling the storytelling gutsy. But here’s where it gets tricky.
The director says he wanted to shake up how we see history, to make it more inclusive. Noble idea, right? Well, not everyone thinks so.
2. Why All the Backlash?
2.1. Shivaji, But Different
See, most films and books paint Shivaji as this Hindu warrior king fighting the Mughals. Khalid Ka Shivaji flips the script—it shows him as someone who brought people together, no matter their religion. That’s the part that’s got folks riled up. Critics are yelling “fake history!” because, to them, Shivaji’s Hindu identity is non-negotiable.
2.2. Politics Meets Sentiment
Here’s the real kicker: Shivaji isn’t just some old king in Maharashtra. He’s like a cultural superhero. Mess with his image, and you’re asking for trouble. Protesters say the film “hurts feelings” and accuse the team of twisting facts for drama. Sound familiar? It’s the same old song—art vs. tradition.
3. Who’s Leading the Charge?
Right-wing groups like Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS are at the front, screaming for a ban. Some leaders are even threatening protests if they don’t get their way. Not exactly shocking—remember what happened with Padmaavat or PK? India’s got a history of this stuff.
4. What’s the Government Doing?
The state’s playing it safe, saying they’ll “review” things. The CBFC—yeah, the guys who approved the film—are now under pressure to take another look. Legally, they can ask for cuts, but a full ban? That’s tougher unless the film’s actually inciting violence. Which, let’s be real, it’s probably not.
5. What’s Everyone Else Saying?
5.1. Team Creative Freedom
Lots of filmmakers and free-speech types are backing the movie. Social media’s buzzing with actors and writers saying art shouldn’t bow to politics. One big name tweeted, “Films should make you think, not disappear.” Preach.
5.2. Team Ban It Now
Then there’s the other side—protests in Mumbai, Pune, posters burning, hashtags like #BanKhalidKaShivaji trending. People are mad, and they’re not hiding it.
6. Shivaji on Screen: A Quick History
Older films like Raja Shivaji (1952) stuck to the classic “Hindu king vs. Mughals” angle. Khalid Ka Shivaji tries something new. Bold move. Risky, too.
7. What Happens Next?
Honestly? No one knows. If the government caves, it sets a scary precedent. If the film releases, expect chaos. Legal battles, protests, maybe even theater disruptions. And after this, good luck getting anyone to touch “sensitive” topics again.
8. Wrapping Up
This whole mess shows how hard it is to balance creativity and culture in India. Some say let the audience decide. Others want the government to “protect history.” Either way, one thing’s clear: when movies and politics mix, it’s never simple.
So, ban it or back it? However this ends, it’ll change how stories get told here. And that’s a big deal.
Source: News18 Hindi – Nation
