Maharashtra Govt Seeks CBFC Review, Calls to Halt ‘Khalid ka Shivaji’ Release

Quick Summary

• The Maharashtra government has requested the Union government to halt the release of Marathi movie Khalid ka Shivaji after complaints by right-wing organisations about alleged historical inaccuracies.
• Congress criticized this move, calling it an attempt to diminish Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s inclusive legacy.
• The film, screened at Cannes Film Festival 2025, portrays a schoolboy named Khalid inspired by chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Minister Ashish Shelar stated that the government will investigate how the film received Censor Board certification and its selection for cannes.
• Dr. Kiran Kulkarni from Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Department has officially requested the Ministry of Details and Broadcasting to stop its release.
• Congress leader Sachin Sawant argued that historically documented facts like a mosque built on Raigad Fort under Shivaji’s rule support his progressive ideology but are ignored in current debates.

Indian Opinion Analysis

the controversy around Khalid ka Shivaji brings attention to ongoing debates about historical narratives and their impact on societal cohesion. From one perspective, objections regarding historical accuracy justify caution in ensuring representations align with well-documented records. However, halting a film purely based on extrapolated concerns from its trailer risks curtailing creative freedom while stoking divisive rhetoric.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remains widely revered as an emblem of inclusiveness and human-centric governance transcending communal boundaries. By anchoring discussions in substantiated academic research – as highlighted by historic accounts supporting civic harmony during his reign – India stands to foster meaningful dialog over ideological polarization.

This issue underscores broader challenges concerning freedom of expression versus accountability in public portrayals of history. Striking this balance will require thoughtful engagement beyond partisan influences.

Read more: https://www.thehindu.com