Government of Maharashtra Urges CBFC for Reconsideration of Film Certificate; Suspends Release of Film Titled "Khalid Ka Shivaji"
The Marathi film "Khalid Ka Shivaji", directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Raj Pritam More, is at the centre of a heated debate in Maharashtra. The film, scheduled for release on August 8, tells the story of a Muslim boy named Khalid who seeks inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary Maratha warrior.
However, the film's portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj as a secular, inclusive leader has sparked controversy. Right-wing groups allege that the film distorts historical facts and disrespects Shivaji's legacy by depicting him and his army as religiously inclusive.
The controversy reached a boiling point when the film was selected for the MARCHE DU FILM section of the Cannes Film Festival 2025, making it the first Marathi feature film to do so. This led to protests, disruption of political events, and calls for the film's ban.
In response, the Maharashtra government and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting intervened. The government temporarily suspended the film’s censor certificate and requested clarification and documentary proof from the filmmakers. The film was also withdrawn from the Cannes Film Festival list citing allegations of falsehoods and objectionable content.
The Indian government's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued a notice to the makers of the film based on multiple complaints received. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is currently reviewing the film amid ongoing political and societal debate about Shivaji Maharaj’s historical image.
The controversy reflects a broader ideological clash in Maharashtra over Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy—whether he should be seen as an exclusively Hindu warrior or as a secular ruler inclusive of all communities. The film’s secular narrative, though supported by its creators and some viewers, has triggered a highly charged political and cultural dispute.
State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticized the BJP-led Mahayuti government for halting the film's release based on its trailer and without understanding its content. Sawant accused the BJP of portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as an icon of Hindutvawad, a narrow, bigoted, and conservative image.
Meanwhile, the makers of another film, inspired by Yogi Adityanath, have moved the Bombay High Court after the CBFC refused to certify their film.
In the midst of this controversy, Krish More plays the lead role of Khalid in "Khalid Ka Shivaji". The film's story follows Khalid as he faces bullying and seeks to understand Shivaji Maharaj's true essence beyond communal divisions. The portrayal includes the idea that "a true king is one who does not believe in religion," which has caused significant backlash.
Right-wing activist Nilesh Bhise wrote a letter to the government on August 5, warning that the film may lead to unrest in law and order. The state cultural minister, Ashish Shelar, has stated that the film will be deleted from the Cannes list and the director has received a notice.
The Maharashtra Culture Secretary, Kiran Kulkarni, wrote a letter to the I&B Secretary on August 6, following claims that the film distorts the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The controversy surrounding "Khalid Ka Shivaji" continues to unfold, with both sides passionately defending their positions.
In the heart of Maharashtra's cultural landscape, the controversy surrounding the film "Khalid Ka Shivaji" has escalated, sparking a heated debate in the realm of entertainment, politics, and general news. The film's secular portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a Maratha warrior, has led to allegations of historical distortion by right-wing groups, causing protests and political disruptions.
This controversy has not only affected the entertainment industry but also extended to the political sphere, with state Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant accusing the BJP of promoting a narrow, bigoted image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Meanwhile, another film inspired by Yogi Adityanath encounters issues with the Central Board of Film Certification, highlighting the ongoing tension between diverse portrayals and censorship in the world of movies and TV.
