New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and senior political leaders will attend a special screening of Chhaava, a film based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, in Parliament on March 27. The event takes place against the backdrop of violent clashes in Nagpur over calls to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb, with the film being blamed for escalating tensions.

Nagpur Violence and Chhaava 

Nagpur recently witnessed violent unrest, including arson and vandalism, following rumors of religious desecration. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has linked the violence to Chhaava, stating that the film intensified public anger against Aurangzeb, leading to clashes.

"The Chhaava movie has ignited people's anger against Aurangzeb, but everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful," Fadnavis said. He also claimed that the unrest appeared pre-planned, with specific houses and businesses being targeted.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde echoed similar sentiments, stating that the violence was an orchestrated attempt to create communal disharmony. Maharashtra police have made multiple arrests, and more than a dozen officers were injured in the clashes. Authorities have also demolished the house of the main accused involved in the violence.

The situation has led to a fierce political debate, with opposition parties blaming the state government for failing to prevent the unrest. Congress MP Imran Masood accused the BJP of fueling communal tensions, while NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal urged for dialogue to resolve disputes instead of resorting to violence.

Box office success and cultural impact

Amid the controversy, Chhaava continues to dominate the box office. The film has surpassed the Hindi version of Baahubali 2 to become the sixth highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. With the absence of major releases, it is now closing in on Pathaan (₹524.53 crore) and Gadar 2 (₹525.7 crore) in lifetime earnings.

Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan, Chhaava features a star-studded cast, including Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Viineet Siingh, Akshaye Khanna, and Ashutosh Rana. The film has been praised for its historical depth and grand storytelling. However, its influence on political narratives has made it a focal point in Maharashtra’s ongoing communal tensions.

The screening comes as Maharashtra grapples with violent clashes in Nagpur, where the film’s depiction of Aurangzeb’s atrocities against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has been cited as a trigger for unrest.