Nagpur violence: Film ‘Chhaava’ sparked anger against Aurangzeb, says Maharashtra CM

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that the Hindi film Chhaava sparked anger against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, suggesting that this may have contributed to violence in Nagpur a day earlier.

“I am not blaming any film…in fact, Chhaava has brought Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s true history before us,” Fadnavis told the state Assembly. “But this ignited emotions in the state and led to an outpouring of anger against Aurangzeb. But even keeping this in mind, it is important to maintain law and order in Maharashtra.”

Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, stars Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna. The film is based on the life of Sambhaji, who is the son of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, and depicts his capture and execution by Aurangzeb’s forces.

The film was released on February 14.

The clashes in Nagpur broke out hours after Hindutva groups held a protest in the city demanding that Aurangzeb’s tomb located in Khuldabad near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar be removed.

Fadnavis alleged in the Assembly that the violence on Monday evening had been planned. “We found a trolley full of stones and weapons were also found which had been seized,” he said. “Selected houses and establishments were targeted.”

The chief minister added that five civilians were injured in the violence. One of them was receiving intensive care.

Fadnavis also said that 33...

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