Marathi Film Khalid Ka Shivaji Faces Right-Wing Backlash, Mumbai Police Issues Warning Over Protests
The recently released Marathi film Khalid Ka Shivaji has found itself at the centre of a growing controversy, with members of the right-wing group Sakal Hindu Samaj accusing it of spreading 'false history" and attempting to create division. The group's online mobilisation against the film prompted the Mumbai Police to intervene and issue a formal notice in an effort to prevent disruption of public order.
The Bhandup division of the Mumbai Police issued the notice to the administrator of a WhatsApp group where members had been encouraged to protest the film on social media platforms. Authorities expressed concern that such messaging could potentially incite unrest and cause inconvenience to residents.
'We advise you to not engage in such acts henceforth. If such messages encourage unlawful activities in the city, then you will be held responsible and strict action will be taken," the police stated in the official communication.
The Sakal Hindu Samaj, in response, took to social media to criticise the notice, defending their online protest as a constitutional right. 'Bhandup Police Station has sent a notice to #Hindutva Karyakartas for posting a protest on social media against the film Khalid Ka Shivaji, which spreads false history and seeks to divide the minds of Hindus. @MumbaiPolice have completely surrendered to #Jihadi forces! Please stop sending such notices to those who are protesting through constitutional means (sic)," the group wrote on X.
Bhandup Police Station has sent a notice to #Hindutva Karyakartas for posting a protest on social media against the film 'Khalid Ka Shivaji", which spreads false history and seeks to divide the minds of Hindus. @MumbaiPolice have completely surrendered to #Jihadi forces!… pic.twitter.com/hEzYFgKXaF — Sakal Hindu Samaj (@sakal_hindu_) August 3, 2025
The police have yet to respond publicly to the criticism directed at them by the organisation.
Khalid Ka Shivaji has drawn attention for its portrayal of religious identity and youth alienation. The film follows the story of a young boy named Khalid, who feels isolated due to his religion and finds strength and purpose by drawing inspiration from Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Despite the current backlash, the film had earlier received critical acclaim. It was one of the few Marathi titles selected to be showcased at this year's prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar had lauded the film, calling its selection 'a moment of pride for Marathi cinema." He had further stated, 'Khalid Ka Shivaji highlights the thoughts of young minds and their quest for identity in today's society."
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