Maharashtra govt. desires CBFC to re-examine certification for Khalid ka Shivaji, halt launch of film

The Maharashtra authorities has requested the Union authorities to re-examine the Marathi film Khalid ka Shivaji and halt its launch, following complaints by right-wing organisations alleging inaccurate portrayal of historical past. The Congress has criticised the federal government, calling it a “ridiculous and condemnable try and diminish the towering stature of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”. The film was formally screened on the Cannes Film Festival this yr.

While citing historic texts, Congress chief Sachin Sawant stated, “Why can’t Maharaj be Khalid’s hero? Why is the BJP so disturbed if Muslims establish with the values of Shivaji Maharaj? Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a Rayatecha Raja —a king of the individuals — not a ruler of anybody group.”

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar stated the federal government wouldn’t tolerate the perversion of historical past. The controversy escalated after protestors raised slogans towards the movie throughout a latest State pageant.

“The authorities has taken a critical notice of the complaints obtained in regards to the film. There is a requirement to ban the film. The CBFC comes beneath the jurisdiction of the Union authorities. We need to look at how the film obtained Censor Board certification – if the committee had studied the film correctly. We additionally need to know the way the film was chosen for the Cannes Film Festival, and if there may be any mischief in it. We are going to probe all of it,” Mr. Shelar stated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department, has written to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting searching for to halt the discharge of the movie.

According to the publicly out there trailer, the movie depicts a schoolboy named Khalid who attracts inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Congress targets BJP

“It is completely unbecoming of the State authorities to request the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to halt the discharge of the movie Khalid ka Shivaji, primarily based merely on its trailer — which, notably, will not be even significantly objectionable – and with none real understanding of the movie’s precise content material. This transfer clearly seems to be pushed by stress from right-wing organisations and aligned with BJP’s divisive political ideology. Once once more, it turns into evident that the BJP is intent on portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj solely as an icon of Hindutvavad – a slim, bigoted, and conservative picture that’s factually incorrect — slightly than as an emblem of Manavatavad [Humanism]. This is a ridiculous and condemnable try and diminish the towering stature of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a whole disservice to the progressive, inclusive ideology exemplified by his life and legacy,” Mr. Sawant stated.

“If each movie is to be examined beneath the microscope of historic accuracy, then how did movies like The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Story, and several other different propaganda-driven motion pictures – most of which carried disclaimers stating they have been fictional and bore little resemblance to historic truth – obtain clearance over the previous 11 years? One of them was even awarded a National Award. As for the movie Khalid ka Shivaji, whereas we could not totally know the filmmaker’s intent, it’s a well-documented historic incontrovertible fact that Muslims have been an integral a part of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s military. His private bodyguard was a Muslim,” he added.

Citing historic references about sure dialogues within the movie, he stated, “Regarding the mosque on Raigad Fort, the historic references are credible and well-documented: In New History of the Marathas – Volume 1 by eminent historian and Padma Bhushan awardee G.S. Sardesai (also referred to as Riyasatkaar), it’s clearly acknowledged on pages 264–265 that Shivaji Maharaj had a mosque constructed for his Muslim troopers. Similarly, in Raigadchi Jivankatha [The Life Story of Raigad], written by the famend historian Shantaram Vishnu Awlaskar and revealed in 1962 by the Maharashtra State Board of Literature and Culture, it’s recorded on web page seven {that a} mosque was certainly constructed on Raigad Fort beneath Shivaji’s rule. The Board has publicly taken full duty for the authenticity of this analysis. The mosque can be referenced within the writings of Prem Hanvate. Furthermore, in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, written in 1907 by Shivaji’s first biographer Krishnaji Keluskar, it’s clearly affirmed that Shivaji Maharaj upheld secular values and ensured that neither Muslim topics nor their locations of worship have been ever harmed in his kingdom.

Thus, the historic reference to the mosque will not be anecdotal or fringe — it’s supported by well-researched, peer-reviewed scholarship, together with work backed by the Government of Maharashtra.