The idea is to show that history is richer and more united than the narrow picture being spread today, says Khalid Ka Shivaji director Rajpritam More
MUMBAI — Hindutva groups are seeking a ban on the film Khalid Ka Shivaji, objecting to its portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji as a secular ruler who worked alongside Muslims. The film is directed by National Award-winner Rajpritam More.
More has said the film presents historical facts showing that battles in Shivaji’s era were driven by governance and political needs, not religion. According to him, “The idea is to show that history is richer and more united than the narrow picture being spread today. Shivaji’s greatness was not about dividing people, but about protecting all.”
However, right-wing organisations have taken offence. The Pune-based Hindu Maha Sangh has written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Government of India demanding a ban. Anand Dave, the group’s head, declared, “This film is trying to show Shivaji as a secular ruler, which is against his real identity. If this is released, we will protest at every theatre.”
Dave also threatened action in rural areas of Pune, saying his members would “make people aware of the real history.”
This protest echoes an incident a day earlier at Mumbai’s NCPA auditorium, where some individuals shouted slogans against the film in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Fadnavis responded mildly, saying, “Okay, your demand has reached us. Now sit down, don’t spoil the programme.” The protesters were eventually removed by police.
Critics say the Maharashtra government is indirectly siding with these elements instead of acting against threats. State Culture Minister Ashish Shelar admitted, “We understand the sentiments of those who are trying to stop the release of this film. I have ordered the Principal Secretary of the Culture Department to write to the CBFC, appealing for the cancellation of the censor certificate.”
The trailer reveals the story of Khalid, a boy from Wardha district in Vidarbha who studies in a Marathi-medium school. When his history teacher covers the chapter on Afzal Khan and Chhatrapati Shivaji, Khalid’s classmates taunt him by calling him ‘Afzal Khan’. Curious, Khalid asks his elders about Afzal Khan and Shivaji, and gradually comes to admire Shivaji, eventually making him his hero.
The film highlights historical records, stating that 35 per cent of Shivaji’s soldiers were Muslims, and 11 of his personal bodyguards were also Muslims. This detail has angered Hindutva groups, who prefer to present a one-sided version of history.
By the end of the trailer, Khalid is shown dressed as Chhatrapati Shivaji, symbolising unity between communities. Speaking about this, a Muslim elder from Wardha said, “History belongs to all of us. Shivaji respected Muslims, and Muslims respected him. No one can erase this truth, no matter how hard they try.”
Many in the Muslim community feel the controversy is politically motivated. A social activist in Mumbai remarked, “These people fear facts because they destroy their propaganda. The truth is Shivaji had Muslim friends, soldiers, and advisors. A united history threatens their divisive politics.”
The controversy over Khalid Ka Shivaji has once again highlighted the tension between historical accuracy and the political agenda of those seeking to control the narrative. While the filmmaker insists on telling a story of shared heritage, Hindutva forces appear determined to silence it.
