What’s the Controversy Over Ganoji, Kanhoji Shirke’s Relation With Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava? Explained—And Laxman Utekar’s Apology Amid Rs 100 Crore Defamation Suit Threat

Posted on February 25, 2025, at 9:43 AM PST

Vicky Kaushal’s historical drama Chhaava, which hit theaters on Valentine’s Day 2025, has become one of Bollywood’s biggest hits, crossing the Rs 300 crore mark and earning praise for its portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films, the film celebrates Sambhaji’s courage and resilience against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, with a stellar cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, and others. However, amidst its box office success and critical acclaim, Chhaava has sparked a significant controversy that threatens to overshadow its triumph—the depiction of Maratha warriors Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke and their alleged betrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj. This dispute has led to a Rs 100 crore defamation suit threat from their descendants, prompting director Laxman Utekar to issue an apology. Let’s dive into the row, the historical context, and the latest developments.

The Controversy: What’s the Issue?

The heart of the controversy lies in Chhaava’s portrayal of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke, depicted in the film as trusted allies of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj who ultimately betray him by aligning with Aurangzeb. This betrayal, as shown in the movie, leads to Sambhaji’s capture, torture, and brutal execution in 1689, a pivotal and tragic moment in Maratha history. The film suggests that Ganoji and Kanhoji, portrayed by Marathi actors Suvrat Joshi and Sarang Sathaye, reveal Sambhaji’s location to the Mughals, cementing their role as traitors.

However, the descendants of the Shirke family—particularly Laxmikant Raje Shirke, the 13th-generation descendant, and his brother Deepak Raje Shirke—have vehemently condemned this depiction, calling it a “misinterpretation of historical facts” and an unjust tarnishing of their family’s legacy. They argue that their ancestors were loyal to Sambhaji and the Maratha empire, not betrayers. According to Deepak Raje Shirke, historical records, including the diary of Francis Martin, a French officer in the Maratha court, indicate that it was court scribes, not the Shirkes, who betrayed Sambhaji. The family claims they’ve been battling this “traitor” narrative for centuries, exacerbated by Shivaji Sawant’s 1979 novel Chhava, which popularized the same accusation, and now reinforced by Chhaava.

The Shirke family, with a 750-year history of ruling parts of Pune, Goa, Mumbai, and the Konkan, asserts that Ganoji Shirke was married to the daughter of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Sambhaji’s wife, Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale, was Ganoji’s sister. They argue that such familial ties make the betrayal implausible, as Indian tradition would not permit a man to make his sister a widow. In 2009, the family filed an RTI with the Directorate of Archives, finding no evidence supporting the Shirkes’ involvement in Sambhaji’s capture, further fueling their outrage.

The Defamation Suit Threat and Public Backlash

Following Chhaava’s release, the Shirke family issued a legal notice to Laxman Utekar on February 20, 2025, demanding clarification, corrections, and an apology. They threatened a Rs 100 crore defamation lawsuit if their concerns were ignored, claiming the film’s narrative damages their reputation and perpetuates a false historical narrative. They’ve also warned of statewide protests across Maharashtra if their demands aren’t met, with family members reportedly gathering at their ancestral village of Shirkoli to plan their resistance.

Laxmikant Raje Shirke has publicly criticized the filmmakers for taking “creative liberties” with history, arguing that such portrayals harm the legacy of revered figures and their descendants. The family’s frustration stems from years of facing public suspicion and political exploitation of this narrative, amplified by social media and now the film’s widespread reach.

Laxman Utekar’s Apology: A Step Toward Resolution?

In response to the backlash, director Laxman Utekar reached out personally to Bhushan Shirke, another descendant, to offer an apology. Reports from local Maharashtra news outlets like Pudhari, Free Press Journal, and others indicate that Utekar expressed regret for unintentionally hurting the Shirke family’s sentiments. He clarified that Chhaava deliberately avoided mentioning the Shirkes’ surnames or their native village, using only the first names “Ganoji” and “Kanhoji” to avoid direct identification. Utekar stated, “We have only mentioned the names of Ganoji and Kanhoji in Chhaava, without referring to their surname. We’ve also made sure not to disclose the village they belonged to. Our intention was not to hurt the sentiments of the Shirke family. I sincerely apologize if Chhaava caused any discomfort.”

Despite this apology, the Shirke family remains unsatisfied, insisting on concrete changes to the film and threatening further action if their demands aren’t addressed. The controversy has sparked broader discussions on historical accuracy in cinema, the responsibility of filmmakers, and the impact of creative liberties on living descendants of historical figures.

The Historical Context: Who Were Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke?

Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke were Maratha commanders and nobles with deep ties to the Bhosale family, rulers of the Maratha Empire. Ganoji, in particular, was related to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through marriage, and his sister, Yesubai Bhonsale, was Sambhaji’s wife. The Shirkes played significant roles in the Maratha resistance against Mughal rule, ruling parts of western India for centuries. Historical accounts are murky regarding their exact role in Sambhaji’s capture, with some literature, like Sawant’s novel, accusing them of betrayal, while others, including the Shirke family’s claims, assert their loyalty. The lack of definitive archival evidence has fueled the ongoing debate, making Chhaava’s portrayal a lightning rod for controversy.

Broader Implications for Bollywood and Historical Films

This controversy highlights the challenges filmmakers face when adapting history for the screen, especially in India, where historical figures are often revered as cultural icons. Chhaava’s success at the box office—currently standing at Rs 465 crore worldwide—underscores its appeal, but it also raises questions about the balance between artistic freedom and historical accuracy. The backlash from the Shirke family, coupled with posts found on X expressing outrage and questioning the film’s facts, reflects a broader sentiment among audiences and historians wary of cinematic distortions.

While some fans, as seen in posts on X, appreciate Chhaava for shedding light on Sambhaji Maharaj’s lesser-known story, others are critical of its handling of historical figures like the Shirkes. The debate mirrors trending discussions on X about character morality in entertainment, though the Chhaava controversy is specific to historical representation rather than fictional comedy characters like those in The Office.

What’s Next for Chhaava?

As of February 25, 2025, it remains unclear whether Chhaava’s makers will make changes to address the Shirke family’s concerns or if the legal battle will escalate. The film continues to draw audiences, but the controversy could impact its legacy and public perception. Filmmakers may need to engage in dialogue with historians and descendants to navigate these sensitive issues, ensuring future projects respect historical narratives while maintaining creative integrity.

This row serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between storytelling and historical responsibility, leaving audiences to ponder: Can cinema honor the past without rewriting it? For now, Chhaava stands as both a cultural milestone and a cautionary tale in Bollywood’s exploration of history.

Stay updated for more insights into Bollywood controversies and historical dramas!

Top 10 Trending FAQs About Chhaava (2025)

Updated on February 25, 2025, at 9:48 AM PST

1. What is Chhaava about, and who does Vicky Kaushal play?

Chhaava is a Bollywood historical action drama that tells the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, focusing on his bravery and resistance against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Vicky Kaushal portrays Sambhaji, delivering a performance widely praised as one of his best, showcasing the Maratha warrior’s valor and struggle for Swarajya (self-rule) in the late 17th century.

2. When was Chhaava released, and how has it performed at the box office?

Chhaava was released on February 14, 2025, on Valentine’s Day, and has seen massive box office success. It had the biggest opening of 2025, earning Rs 32–34 crore on its first day, eventually grossing over Rs 420.96 crore domestically and Rs 492.90 crore worldwide by February 24, 2025, making it Laxman Utekar’s highest-grossing film.

3. Who are the main actors in Chhaava, and what roles do they play?

Besides Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj, the film features Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai (Sambhaji’s wife), Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb, and supporting actors like Ashutosh Rana (Hambirrao Mohite), Divya Dutta (Maharani Soyarabai), Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh (Kavi Kalash), and Neil Bhoopalam in key roles.

4. What has been the critical reception of Chhaava?

Chhaava has received mixed reviews. Critics praise Vicky Kaushal’s towering performance and the film’s gripping climax, but some criticize its over-reliance on gore, action, and loud music (by A.R. Rahman), which overshadows the story. Ratings range from 3.5 to 4 stars, with some calling it spectacular while others find it uneven or exhausting due to its lack of emotional depth in the first half.

5. Why is Chhaava controversial, and what’s the issue with Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke?

The film is controversial due to its depiction of Maratha warriors Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke as betrayers who revealed Sambhaji’s location to Aurangzeb, leading to his capture and execution. Their descendants, particularly Laxmikant Raje Shirke and Deepak Raje Shirke, have threatened a Rs 100 crore defamation suit, claiming their ancestors were loyal and that the portrayal is a historical misinterpretation, backed by archival evidence like Francis Martin’s diary.

6. Has Laxman Utekar responded to the controversy over the Shirke family?

Yes, director Laxman Utekar has apologized to the Shirke family, clarifying that the film avoids mentioning their surnames or village to limit direct identification. He stated on February 20, 2025, that the intention was not to hurt sentiments, but the family remains unsatisfied, demanding corrections and threatening further action.

7. What changes were made to Chhaava before its release due to criticism?

Before release, the makers removed a controversial lazim dance sequence featuring Sambhaji and Yesubai, which some accused of inauthentic representation. Additionally, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) made cuts, such as muting “Haramzaada” and changing “Aameen” to “Jai Bhavani,” to address concerns over historical and cultural accuracy.

8. When will Chhaava be available on OTT platforms?

While not officially announced as of February 25, 2025, reports suggest Chhaava will stream on Netflix, following the typical 45–60 day window for Bollywood films transitioning from theaters to OTT. Based on patterns (e.g., Pushpa 2 and Stree 2), it’s expected around April 2025, though no exact date has been confirmed.

9. How does Chhaava compare to other 2025 Bollywood releases?

Chhaava has the highest opening of 2025, surpassing films like Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force (Rs 12.25 crore), Shahid Kapoor’s Deva (Rs 5.5 crore), and Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency (Rs 2.5 crore). It’s also Vicky Kaushal’s biggest opening ever, outpacing Bad Newz (Rs 8.3 crore) and positioning it as a potential blockbuster until Salman Khan’s Sikandar releases on Eid 2025.

10. What are fans saying about Chhaava on social media?

Trending discussions on X highlight fans’ admiration for Vicky Kaushal’s performance, with many calling it “spectacular” and “award-worthy.” However, some express concern over the film’s historical accuracy, particularly the Shirke controversy, and the over-the-top action and gore. Others praise the film’s patriotism and visuals but criticize its uneven pacing or loud soundtrack, reflecting a polarized but highly engaged audience response.

Stay updated for more on Chhaava and trending Bollywood topics!