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Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava blamed for riots in Nagpur over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb

Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava blamed for riots in Nagpur over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb

Violence erupted in Nagpur after protests by a right-wing organisation that wanted the tomb to be destroyed.
Updated 19 Mar, 2025

Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava, the historical action film based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, has found itself at the centre of a political and communal storm for its portrayal of Aurangzeb, the 17th-century Mughal emperor.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has linked the film to the ongoing violence in Nagpur, saying it has sparked anger among people against the late emperor, causing tensions and violent clashes in Nagpur over his tomb.

The violence erupted after members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), an Indian right-wing organisation, reportedly set fire to an effigy of Aurangzeb as well as his tomb while chanting slogans demanding the removal of his tomb in Aurangabad.

Chhaava movie has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb. Still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful,” said Fadnavis during his speech, according to the Hindustan Times. He also claimed that Monday’s violence in Nagpur, which followed rumours about a right-wing group burning a religious book, appeared to be “pre-planned” and “a conspiracy.”

“Specific houses and establishments were targeted by the mob,” he added, calling for restraint and urging people to not allow historical grievances to disrupt social harmony in the present day.

Monday’s unrest saw widespread riots across Nagpur, with several vehicles torched and well over a dozen people injured — including at least 15 police personnel. One officer was reported to be in critical condition.

While condemning the violence, Fadnavis said that strict action would be taken. “I have told the police commissioner to take whatever strict steps are necessary,” he said, assuring the assembly that law and order will be maintained at all costs.

An indefinite curfew has been imposed in multiple parts of the city to prevent escalation. The areas under curfew include Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodhara Nagar, and Kapil Nagar. The restrictions will reportedly remain in force until further notice.

In February, signboards of Delhi’s Akbar Road and Humayun Road were defaced by Chhaava fans. A group of people allegedly sprayed black paint on signboards and pasted pictures of Chhatrapati Shivaji on them. The defaced signboards have since been restored. Another incident saw a drunken fan ripping the movie screen at a Chhaava screening in Gujarat. The man was arrested.

Journalist Saurabh Shukla has also linked the Nagpur clash to Chhaava. “After watching Chhaava film, people came out on the streets with sticks and rods for Aurangzeb. Its actor Vicky Kaushal and producer have earned [INR 5.53 billion]. They’re now sitting in their Mercedes and are busy shooting another film. You are shouting slogans on the streets, breaking each other’s heads,” Shukla wrote.

While the makers of Chhaava have not issued a statement yet, the film — based on the legacy of a Maratha warrior who resisted Mughal rule — has already drawn mixed reactions for its portrayal of Aurangzeb.

The film faced backlash for allegedly fictionalising Hindu torture under Aurangzeb, with claims about it being historically inaccurate and exaggerated.

An earlier version of this article mentioned that Devendra Fadnavis was the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. The article has been updated to reflect that he is the chief minister. The error is regretted.

Comments

Gulabo Khan Mar 18, 2025 03:06pm
Chaava shows the truth about Aurangzeb
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Guru Mar 18, 2025 03:17pm
The irony is that India is making so much money from tourism of Taj Mahal & other Muslim historical sites yet at the same time they make fuss out of a movie that has been twisted according to their desire.
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Reality Mar 18, 2025 03:40pm
Truth is bitter. Anyway Mr A never had any reputation in india
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Zulfiqar Mar 18, 2025 03:42pm
Tried and tested formula to make a movie successful no matter how inaccurate the story or sub par the acting. Bash Muslims or Pakistan and you have your audience guaranteed. Welcome to India.
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Gurpreet Singh Mar 18, 2025 04:00pm
Aurangzeb’s tomb should not have a place in India. He was not just a tyrant, but also a psychopathic degenerate who didn’t even spare his own father & brothers in his quest for power.
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Indian Mar 18, 2025 04:04pm
a person who killed is father and brother for power can only be hero of communal, evil mind
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Akhtar Mar 18, 2025 04:38pm
Mughal manuments are Indian legacies. Steps need to be taken against rioters who are responsible for spreading haterences between various ethnic and diversed groups. They need solidarity and coordination to reap love among people's of all religions
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Hamid Shah Mar 18, 2025 04:40pm
The movie shows truth. It was written by Aurangzeb in his own biography
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Stupidity Mar 18, 2025 04:45pm
History can not be undone so just remember it for future generations . Do not forgive but do not forget.
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Johnw Mar 18, 2025 04:55pm
If its historically inaccurate,then what's accurate?
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Zubair Mar 18, 2025 05:00pm
Pakistan should offer India to relocate Emperor's corps and coffin to Lahore nd buried with his Grandfather ... India and Maharashtra should offer...
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upendra rohatgi Mar 18, 2025 05:16pm
As per Islam, there should not be any permanent tomb. There are none in Saudi Arabia. So why they are in India?
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Johnny Khan Mar 18, 2025 06:20pm
As usual, Bollywood loves to exaggerate to cater to audience. And thin skinned Indians will believe everything in Bollywood. They make millions portraying Muslims as evil.
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Appu verrma Mar 18, 2025 06:33pm
Very true, now some famus people from bollywood also become agent of BJP to spred hates .
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Appu verrma Mar 18, 2025 06:33pm
Some people frm bjp also become bjp agent to spred hate
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Saleem Mar 18, 2025 06:34pm
I urge the Government of Pakistan to offer to repatriate the remains and give Emperor Aurangzeb a grand funeral in a monument in Pakistan. He is an essential part of our heritage and our cultural identity.
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M. Emad Mar 18, 2025 06:34pm
Mughal emperor Aurangzeb bad Ruler.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Mar 18, 2025 06:39pm
While making life miserable for all Indian minorities in general and the Muslim minority population of the country in particular since 2016 under the auspices and patronage of racist, bigot, wicked, liar and biased Modi and his fascist BJP & RSS cronies, please spare the rulers of yesteryear Mughal dynasty that brought glory to the country and treated all minorities with respect and dignity during their time and tenure.
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Jono Mar 18, 2025 06:49pm
Aurangzeb is an example of an epic ruthless and a cruel human. His tomb and body must be exhumed asap and his remains must be cremated to ashes to extinguish his legacy of cruelty from the history forever.
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Asraful Islam Mar 18, 2025 06:51pm
Govt should imposed ban like this half true and fantastic film instead of tax free.
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Johnw Mar 18, 2025 06:53pm
Pakistan can offer a refuge to his tomb if he has any significance to the country. Act fast before it gets desecrated and destroyed,just like Babri Masjid.
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Love India Mar 18, 2025 07:21pm
Mughal Empire ruled India over many centuries with respect and dignity to all Indians equally. As Indian citizens it’s our responsibility to safeguard all their belongings and resting places as symbol to our next generations to come and remember Mugul era in India. Thanks to all.
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Ali Mar 18, 2025 07:26pm
And what is the truth about RSS zealots and their thuggery?
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IKwillbeback Mar 18, 2025 07:27pm
Chhaava should be released in Pakistan asap.
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Dr. Dummy Mar 18, 2025 07:34pm
Aurangzeb, the 17th-century Mughal emperor was an evil. History of India needs to be re-written. Those who defend the evil soul can leave India, and move East or West!
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Fdrt Mar 18, 2025 07:37pm
Aurangzeb ruled with an iron fist imposing Islamic values on non-Muslims.
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Ahmed Mar 18, 2025 07:41pm
Dear Hindus, Move on. Get over the 800 year rule of Muslims over you. Your country was born in 1947. Accept it. As for Aurangzeb. We was and still is king and you can't stand it.
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Maratha Mar 18, 2025 07:45pm
The film does not depict anything fictional. Aurangzeb was a invader and tyrant . This is a known fact, mentioned in multiple history books. He even killed his own family members. The days of glorifying the invader Mo(n)ghuls in India is long gone
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Shakti Patra Mar 18, 2025 07:49pm
Aurangzeb was more cruel than what is shown in movie. Let's call a spade a spade.
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SARAT Mar 18, 2025 08:05pm
Some cenema people shamelessly trying to cashing in on the present situation in the country created by vested interests. living in the past glory will take us nowhere
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Sikander Khan Mar 18, 2025 08:51pm
India is a scary country. Fanatics fighting over a man who died over 300 years ago. No wonder they're behind China. China is developing electric cars, India is setting cars on fire.
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Asad Mar 18, 2025 08:58pm
RSS Falsifying history and laying seeds of dismantling of Indian union and its destruction, like soviet union and yugoslav union
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Asad Mar 18, 2025 09:00pm
Emperor Aurangzeb 60% of his administrative staff were Hindus, his justice system was of highest standard, telling lies via RSS films will not change the truth. Chakradin film is a big lie to indian people.
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Asad Mar 18, 2025 09:01pm
All Indians should read the American author, " Emperor Aurangzeb by Audrey Truschke". Most factual and truthful history of Aurangzeb best emperor in History.
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Asad Mar 18, 2025 09:03pm
Emperor Aurangzeb had ' sutee' widow burning among hindus and ill treatment of 'untouchables ' dalits in caste system, stopped for sake of humanity.
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PRADEEP SHETTY Mar 18, 2025 09:59pm
I dont see a reason why Aurangazeb's tomb must remain in India. After all he is responsible for destroying their religion, their culture.Bangladeshis have destroyed Bangla bandu"s statue. Iraqis have destroyed Saddam Husseins statue.why do you think Aurangazeb is different.
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Arlsan Mar 18, 2025 10:20pm
Indian and its obsession with myths.
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Jaweed Mar 18, 2025 11:25pm
We should bring back our emperor's remains and build / install a grand tomb hete in Pakistan. What do you say brothers?
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M. Saeed Mar 18, 2025 11:35pm
Aurangzeb was the true Islamic leader of all Mugul emperor's of India.
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Ina Mar 19, 2025 04:49am
Baharat has a problem of historical amnesia. Muslims wake up.
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Dr. Dummy Mar 19, 2025 06:23am
Aurangzeb should have no place in this world, not even in a secular country!
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Shyam Mar 19, 2025 07:02am
Devendra Fadnavis is Chief Minister of Maharastra, not Deputy CM as mentioned by you in this report.
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Shyam Mar 19, 2025 07:07am
“After watching Chhaava film, people came out on the streets with sticks and rods for Aurangzeb. Its actor Vicky Kaushal and producer have earned [INR 5.53 billion]. They’re now sitting in their Mercedes and are busy shooting another film. You are shouting slogans on the streets, breaking each other’s heads,” This is the biggest takeaway from the story. Same story in every mob violence in the world.
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Abdul Mar 19, 2025 07:35am
Recommend people to read about treatment given to Chaava , Sikh gurus, by Aurangzeb online to know the truth about his deeds... Thanks to internet the truth is now available and visible to all
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Saeed Mar 19, 2025 07:57am
True face of the greatest democracy
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The eastern neighbor Mar 19, 2025 09:17am
Aurangzeb was ruthless. He was a bad bad guy. Also same for Tipu Sultan. He is no hero. Ruthless tyrant
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Adam Seeker Mar 19, 2025 10:09am
I have seen Aurangzeb's tomb in Khuldabad, Sambhaji Nagar (Now). It is a simple tomb visited by handful of educated Indians (Mostly Hindus) who know about the history. Despite his worst credentials, I don't support the removal of his tomb. After all he was a ruler of India for more than 50 years, he deserves a peaceful resting place.
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Zulfiqar Ansari Mar 19, 2025 10:29am
It is fact, Aurangzeb imprisoned his father, Shah Jahan, and executed his brothers, including Dara Shikoh and Murad Baksh, during the Mughal succession war.
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ali Mar 19, 2025 10:39am
Riots now based on acts of a tyrant emperor 500 years back is just stupid. The entire subcontinent including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan and Sri lanka is full of stupid people. All come from the same base culture 3000 years old, yet we will keep fighting and killing our own people in the name of religions that are much newer.. We really need to learn from the european countries.
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Singh a Mar 19, 2025 12:41pm
India makes millions times more money from religious tourism than thtaj mahal or other Muslim historical sites…even though some of these sites are quite good…the ancient temples are the real diamonds of India…
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Dr. Dummy Mar 20, 2025 01:00am
NO IRONY, THINK OVER - Maintenance of these buildings and sunk cost of occupied space does not come free, If not maintained, these buildings (Taj Mahal included) would have fallen to the ground. These are a mark of atrocities on the local population including murders, conversions of non-Muslims and looting and destruction of temples. There are similar sites to our East and West.
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Gurpreet Singh Mar 20, 2025 08:30am
@Ahmed — Get off your high horse. You have nothing to be proud of. Forget about Muslim rule of the past, where are you today? Getting beaten by everyone in every sphere. Intellectually, financially & morally bankrupt!
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