Following the outbreak of riots in Nagpur in response to protests concerning the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, a curfew was enacted in the city. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the situation was being managed effectively. He also noted that the recent Bollywood hit, Chhaava, had rekindled public sentiments against the Mughal emperor. Subsequently, Twitter users began to hold the film's production team accountable for allegedly inciting animosity towards Aurangzeb.

The film, along with its director Laxman Utekar and actor Vicky Kaushal, faced significant backlash on social media. Many users accused them of promoting hatred against Aurangzeb and, by extension, against minority communities. On Twitter (now X), numerous individuals criticized Vicky for allegedly 'fanning hatred' through his role in the film, with some suggesting that he intentionally chooses projects that propagate majoritarian sentiments. Nevertheless, the actor's supporters have come to his defense, arguing that he is being unfairly targeted.

'Can't blame an actor for a film's tone'

Numerous individuals expressed their support for Vicky Kaushal and his performance on Twitter (now X), while exonerating him from any involvement in the subsequent communal unrest. One tweet stated, “The backlash regarding #Chaava is unwarranted! Vicky Kaushal’s remarkable depiction of my Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is a tribute to the arts! As progressives, we should not blame actors for excelling in their craft. Let us celebrate cinema rather than impose censorship or assign blame.”

Another individual expressed, “It is genuinely unfortunate to witness the events that transpired in Nagpur. Violence and turmoil should never be justified, regardless of the circumstances. However, attributing the blame for the Nagpur violence to Vicky Kaushal is entirely unjust and misguided. He is merely an actor who depicted a historical character in Chhaava—a film that underwent extensive scrutiny prior to its release. If certain elements of the film have provoked intense reactions, the focus should be on historical interpretation, public dialogue, and governance, rather than targeting a single performer.”

Other supporters of the actor were more harsh in their criticism of those who held him accountable. One individual tweeted: “Those who are blaming Vicky Kaushal for the violence in Nagpur are clearly lacking in critical thinking.”

'Cinema is cinema, treat is as such'

A segment of Twitter users expressed that the critics of Vicky and Chhaava were unfairly attributing excessive responsibility to what is fundamentally a piece of art. One tweet stated, “The Vicky Kaushal film Chhava is unrelated to the current violence in Nagpur or the animosity towards Aurangzeb. Cinema should be regarded as cinema.” Others urged that attention should be directed towards those truly accountable. One individual remarked, “Vicky Kaushal and the creators of #Chhaava are being held responsible for the Nagpur riots. Only the planners and perpetrators of the violence should bear the blame.”

Twitter feels protestors are missing film's nuance

Numerous individuals have noted that the film does not portray Aurangzeb in a negative light and emphasizes that Sambhaji was betrayed by those closest to him. A tweet stated, “The recent unrest in Nagpur is unjustly attributed to Vicky Kaushal’s film Chava. It actually depicts how he was BETRAYED by his own associates, driven by jealousy and greed, rather than by the Mughals. The narrative underscores the theme of internal betrayal and discord among his own followers.” Another comment expressed, “The criticism and animosity directed at Vicky Kaushal for his portrayal of a historical figure, along with certain factions suggesting that his role incited the violence in Nagpur, reflects a troubling mindset. This is precisely the issue! It is no surprise that Bollywood tends to focus on trivial matters.”

All about Chhaava

Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava is a biographical film that chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who fiercely opposed Mughal dominance in the 17th century. Vicky Kaushal portrays the Maratha leader, while Akshaye Khanna takes on the role of Emperor Aurangzeb. The cast also includes Rashmika Mandanna, Divya Dutta, Ashutosh Rana, and Vineet Kumar Singh. Although the film garnered a range of reviews, from mixed to positive, it achieved remarkable success at the box office, earning ₹764 crore globally and ₹565 crore within India.

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