Was Nagpur Violence Pre-Planned?

The recent violence in Nagpur has raised serious concerns about whether the unrest was pre-planned. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has claimed that the violence was premeditated and fueled by public anger over the Marathi film Chhaava. The movie, which portrays the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has been at the center of controversy due to certain scenes that have offended various groups. The link between historical sensitivities and modern political tensions is now under scrutiny.

Nagpur Violence: What Happened?

• On March 17, 2025, violent clashes broke out in Nagpur, leading to multiple injuries and significant damage to property.
• The unrest reportedly began after a protest against the movie Chhaava turned violent.
• Authorities had to impose Section 144, restricting gatherings in the affected areas.

Fadnavis, in an official statement, claimed that the violence was not spontaneous but “part of a larger conspiracy.” He suggested that the movie’s portrayal of certain historical events had led to public outrage, which was then exploited by some groups for political motives.

Controversial Scenes in Chhaava

The film has drawn criticism for the following reasons:

1. The Lezim Dance Sequence

• A particular scene shows Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his wife Yesubai performing a Lezim dance.
• Critics argue that such a depiction is historically inaccurate and diminishes the stature of the Maratha ruler.
• Maratha organizations, including Shivpremi Yuva Sanghatana, protested, demanding that the scene be removed.

2. Alleged Misrepresentation of Historical Figures

• Some historians claim the movie distorts facts about the Shirke family, portraying them as traitors.
• The Shirke family has threatened legal action, stating that their ancestors were wrongly depicted.
• The film’s director, Laxman Utekar, later apologized, stating that there was no intention to malign any historical figure.

3. Aurangzeb’s Portrayal

• The film includes a scene where Aurangzeb humiliates Sambhaji Maharaj, which has been a major point of contention.
• Critics argue that while the Mughal emperor’s atrocities are well-documented, certain dramatizations in the film have inflamed public sentiment.

Political Reactions

The controversy has led to a political war of words:

• Devendra Fadnavis blamed external forces for instigating violence under the pretext of protesting against the movie.
• The opposition, however, accused the BJP government of using the controversy as a distraction from pressing governance issues.
• Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray urged people to “respect history but not resort to violence.”

Was the Violence Pre-Planned?

• Investigations suggest that social media posts had been circulating days before the violence, calling for protests against the film.
• Local police confirmed that some groups had planned gatherings even before the movie was officially released.
• WhatsApp messages encouraging “retaliation for historical injustice” were traced to several radical groups.

Impact on Society

The Nagpur violence highlights deeper issues:

• Growing historical sensitivities: Cultural portrayals of history continue to be a flashpoint in India.
• Political polarization: Films and historical narratives are increasingly being weaponized for political gains.
• Public unrest and misinformation: Social media is playing a significant role in escalating tensions.

Government’s Response and Future Actions

• The Maharashtra government has promised a detailed investigation into whether the violence was pre-planned.
• Censorship debates have intensified, with calls for stricter regulations on historical films.
• The police have arrested 47 individuals involved in the riots and are analyzing CCTV footage for further leads.

Moving Ahead

The Chhaava controversy has reignited long-standing debates about artistic freedom, historical accuracy, and public sentiment. While cinema has the power to educate and inspire, it also carries the responsibility of respecting historical truths. Whether the Nagpur violence was pre-planned or a result of spontaneous outrage is still under investigation. However, what is clear is that films can shape history—not just by telling it, but by influencing how people react to it.

By – Nikita