Chhaava director Laxman Utekar issues apology to Shirke descendants amid Rs 100 cr lawsuit threat

The descendants of Maratha warriors Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke have expressed strong objections to the way their ancestors have been depicted in the movie.

Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna’s Chhaava continues its phenomenal box office run, having surpassed the Rs 300 crore milestone. However, amid its roaring success, the film has found itself at the center of controversy.

The descendants of Maratha warriors Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke have expressed strong objections to the way their ancestors have been depicted in the movie. They claim that the portrayal is misleading and unjust, particularly regarding their alleged betrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, which ultimately led to his capture by Aurangzeb.

Unhappy with this representation, the Shirke family descendants have threatened legal action, stating that they are considering a Rs 100 crore defamation lawsuit against the makers of Chhaava. The controversy has sparked debates about historical accuracy in cinematic adaptations, adding another layer of discussion to the film’s impact.

Laxmikant Raje Shirke, the 13th descendant of Maratha warriors Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, has taken legal action against the makers of Chhaava, alleging that the film distorts historical facts and misrepresents his ancestors. Expressing strong disapproval, he criticized the film for tarnishing the legacy of his family and claimed that it has caused significant damage to their reputation.

Following this legal threat, director Laxman Utekar has now extended an apology to the Shirke family. According to local Marathi news outlet Pudhari, Utekar personally reached out to Bhushan Shirke, another descendant, to express regret for any unintentional hurt caused by the film. In his clarification, he stated that Chhaava does not explicitly mention the last names or the village names of Ganoji and Kanhoji, indicating that there was no deliberate attempt to target the Shirke family.

As per reports, Laxman told Shirke, “We have only mentioned the names of Ganoji and Kanhoji in Chhaava, without referring to their surname. We’ve also made sure to not disclose the village they belonged to. Our intention was not to hurt the sentiments of the Shirke family. I sincerely apologise if Chhaava caused any discomfort.”

According to the local news outlet, the Shirke family has firmly stated that if their grievances are not acknowledged and their demands go unfulfilled, they will take further action by organizing statewide protests.

Chhaava brings the remarkable legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to life on the big screen. Vicky Kaushal steps into the powerful role of the fearless warrior prince, while Rashmika Mandanna portrays Yesubai Bhonsale, his steadfast companion. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with Akshaye Khanna taking on the role of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Vineet Kumar Singh portraying the loyal Kavi Kalash, and seasoned actors Ashutosh Rana and Divya Dutta in key roles. Helmed by director Laxman Utekar and backed by producer Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Chhaava hit theaters on February 14, 2025, bringing a grand historical saga to audiences.