Khalid Ka Shivaji To Be Dropped From Cannes Over ‘Objectionable' Content

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2 days ago

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The Maharashtra government pulled the Marathi film Khalid Ka Shivaji from Cannes due to allegations of falsehoods and objectionable content. The CBFC is reviewing the film.
The Maharashtra government has confirmed that Marathi film Khalid Ka Shivaji will be withdrawn from the Cannes Film Festival listings following allegations that it contains 'falsehoods" and 'objectionable" content. The decision comes amid mounting protests from right-wing groups claiming the film distorts the legacy of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film was originally scheduled for theatrical release on August 8, but its future now hangs in balance as the CBFC review process gets underway.
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced on Friday that the state acted promptly after receiving multiple complaints about the film. 'The government immediately took action upon receiving complaints that 'Khalid Ka Shivaji' spreads misinformation and hurts sentiments. We have taken this stand in alignment with Shiv devotees and society," Shelar told reporters in Mumbai.
The controversy escalated earlier this week when Maharashtra culture secretary Kiran Kulkarni formally requested the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to direct the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to re-examine the movie's clearance certificate. In a letter sent on August 6, the state urged that the film's release be halted until the review is completed, warning that its current form could trigger law and order concerns.
Shelar noted that while an expert committee had initially recommended the film for Cannes screening in May this year, the recommendation was later retracted. 'We will remove the film from the Cannes Festival selection listings and have sent an email in this regard. I wrote to the CBFC and took the position that if the film spreads falsehoods and hurts sentiments, action must follow. The CBFC has started proceedings based on complaints alleging the film misrepresents history," he said.
The minister also pointed out that the responsibility for its inclusion at Cannes rests with those who recommended it. 'The responsibility lies with those who recommended the film for a festival screening. Producers and director have now been summoned by the Central Board of Film Certification, which has initiated action," he stated.
Maharashtra Public Works Department Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, also weighed in on the matter. Speaking in Ratnagiri district, he said, 'I have not seen the movie. However, if there is something objectionable in it, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will consider imposing a ban. We will not tolerate anything objectionable against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or other icons of Maharashtra."
Protest against the film at Maharashtra Film Awards
Things got tense at the Maharashtra State Film Awards when two people interrupted the event by loudly protesting against the upcoming Marathi film Khalid Ka Shivaji. The protest happened just as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was about to speak to the audience.
Inside the auditorium, the two protesters stood up with placards and started shouting slogans, calling for a ban on the film and accusing it of twisting historical facts. 'Distortion of history must be stopped," they yelled, before security stepped in and quickly escorted them out.
In response to the disruption, CM Fadnavis briefly addressed the protestors, saying, 'You have put forth your point of view, and now stop. Don't spoil the function."
All about the controversy in gist
The protest at the awards ceremony was not a one-off incident. In the days before the event, Khalid Ka Shivaji had already stirred controversy, especially among members of the Sakal Hindu Samaj. The right-wing group has accused the film of spreading 'false history" and creating religious divides.
Police have now stepped in to keep an eye on the situation. The Bhandup division of the Mumbai Police recently sent a formal notice to the administrator of a WhatsApp group connected to the Sakal Hindu Samaj. Officers said they were concerned about online mobilisation that could disturb public peace. The group had allegedly urged its members to protest the film on various social media platforms.
The police notice warned against such activities, stating: '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."
In reaction, the Sakal Hindu Samaj condemned the police's action, defending its online campaign as an exercise of constitutional rights. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the group wrote: '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)."
What is the film about?
Khalid Ka Shivaji, directed by first-time filmmaker Ankur Bhatia, tackles themes of identity and alienation. The story follows Khalid, a young Muslim boy who feels excluded because of his religious background, and finds strength by drawing inspiration from Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
While the film has sparked controversy, it has also earned international attention. It was among the few Marathi films chosen for screening at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Earlier, Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar had praised the milestone, saying, 'Khalid Ka Shivaji highlights the thoughts of young minds and their quest for identity in today's society." He described its Cannes selection as 'a moment of pride for Marathi cinema."
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