‘Khalid Ka Shivaji’ challenges Hindutva’s Shivaji; M’shtra Govt moves to remove film from Cannes

The Maharashtra government has initiated legal and administrative steps to remove the film Khalid Ka Shivaji from the Cannes Film Festival after right-wing groups alleged that it distorts history by portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji as a secular figure through the lens of a Muslim character, which they claim runs counter to their vision of the Maratha ruler as a Hindu warrior-king.

Acting on demands raised by organisations such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, the state government has also requested the Centre to revoke the film’s censor certificate and halt its further screenings, while central agencies have sent urgent notices to the film’s director and producers.

The decision follows protests held during the Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards ceremony, where right-wing activists voiced strong objections to what they described as a misrepresentation of Shivaji’s legacy.

The film, directed by National Award-winner Raj Pritam More, tells the story of a Muslim boy who learns about Shivaji’s life and ideals through personal experiences, a narrative that right-wing groups argue distorts historical reality and undermines their portrayal of Shivaji’s role in resisting Islamic rule.

They contend that the film attempts to secularise a figure they uphold as a symbol of Hindu resistance, accusing the makers of inserting ideological messaging that conflicts with what they consider to be historical truth.

The state government, aligning itself with these concerns, has stated that it will not tolerate any tampering with Shivaji’s image or any depiction that could hurt public sentiment, particularly among devotees and historians who regard the Maratha ruler as a cornerstone of Hindu pride and identity.