Chhaava row: Vishwas Patil backs Laxman Utekar, calls it a ‘historical reality’

New Delhi: Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhaava has courted a fresh controversy over the portrayal of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, whose descendants have reportedly raised objections to the depiction of Maratha warriors as betraying Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj by aligning with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Now, Indian author Vishwas Patil, who has written Sambhājī, spoke exclusively to News9 to address the controversy. Patil, while speaking to us, extended his support to the director Laxman Utekar, who issued an apology after the controversy erupted.

What did Vishwas Patil say?

Speaking to News9, Indian author Vishwas Patil pointed out that Chhaava director Laxman Utekar surrendered in response to their notice.Shedding some light on the matter, he said, “There is no definite evidence to prove whether the Shirke family led Khan to the location where Sambhaji was arrested—Sangameshwar—on February 3, 1689. However, two months prior to his capture, a fierce and grim battle took place between Sambhaji Maharaj and the Shirke family. Sambhaji suspected that the Shirke family was conspiring against the Maratha state, which is why he sent Kavi Kalas to the Shirke territory. When Kavi Kalas found himself in trouble, Sambhaji personally advanced towards Shirkan, i.e., Sangameshwar. Together, Sambhaji and Kavi Kalas waged war against the Shirke family, ultimately defeating them and forcing them to flee their land. This event is a documented part of history, with our most authoritative source being the Jede Chronicles.”

He further added, “It is a part of history, a reality. The Jede Chronicles exist, and this account has also been recorded by Sir Jadunath Sarkar. There are both early and recent pieces of evidence from that period. However, I do not know why Sambhaji Maharaj ultimately surrendered. There is no evidence of a third party intervening in the conflict with the Shirke family. Sambhaji himself waged war against the Shirkes, crushed them, and this has been documented by Jadunath Sarkar, other historians, and the Jede Chronicles.”

“The Jede Chronicles is one of the most significant documents for Maratha history. In 1924, the Jede family handed over this chronicle to Lokmanya Tilak, who then had it printed through Disha Sagar Mandal, Pune. It stands as a very strong historical document. All of this I have recorded in my novel Sambhaji, which is also available in English. In my book, I have detailed these events thoroughly,” he concluded by saying.

About the controversy

The 13th descendant of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, Laxmikant Raje Shirke, has reportedly alleged that the movie misrepresents his ancestors. A legal notice has been sent to the director, and the family is seeking Rs 100 crore in compensation, according to reports. As per Pudhari, Utekar apologised to Bhushan Shirke for “unintentionally hurting the family”.

Meanwhile, Chhaava was released in theatres on February 14 and has been running successfully in theatres. The movie stars Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna in pivotal roles.