March 18, 2025: In a stark reminder of how movies like Chhaava can stir deep emotional responses and influence real-world events, the violence that erupted in Nagpur on March 17 has left the city shaken. Over 50 individuals have been detained by the Nagpur Police, who are currently reviewing CCTV footage and social media posts to identify other suspects connected to the violence. The unrest, which escalated into widespread vandalism and arson, followed a protest by a right-wing group and rumors that a holy book had been burned, leading to severe social tensions.
The situation spiraled following the release of Chhaava, a film depicting the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Shivaji Maharaj. The film, which focuses on the historical narrative surrounding Hindu oppression under the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, has been at the center of heated debates for allegedly fictionalizing historical events. Some critics have accused the film of exaggerating the brutality of the era, while others claim it paints a distorted view of history. These debates, however, seem to have had a dangerous real-world consequence.
As one social media user put it, “After watching Chhaava film, people came out on the streets with sticks and rods for Aurangzeb. Its actor Vicky Kaushal and producer have earned ₹553 crore, while they’re sitting in their Mercedes shooting another film, and you’re shouting slogans and breaking heads on the streets.”
Chhaava’ and the Unrest: 50 Arrested as Violence Engulfs Nagpur
- Over 50 arrests have been made in connection with the violence that broke out in Nagpur.
- The unrest followed a protest where rumors spread about the burning of a holy book, coupled with the controversial film Chhaava.
- The violence escalated into large-scale stone-pelting, arson, and clashes, leaving dozens injured.
- Authorities have imposed a curfew in several areas and are continuing investigations into the incident.
The violence ignited late on the evening of March 17 after a protest by Bajrang Dal members near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal. Rumors spread quickly that a Quran had been burned during the protest, triggering outrage within the Muslim community. Videos of the demonstration flooded social media, and tensions mounted, spilling into clashes throughout Nagpur. By 8:30 PM, the situation had escalated, with nearly 1,000 individuals engaging in stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism, leaving multiple vehicles and homes damaged.
The violence spread rapidly across various parts of the city, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Hansapuri, where shops were looted, vehicles set ablaze, and several civilians and police officers sustained injuries. Security forces were eventually deployed to restore order, but not before the situation had deteriorated significantly. By 11 PM, clashes had reached a new peak near Old Bhandara Road, where further destruction ensued.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal confirmed that a curfew was enforced across several police jurisdictions, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and others, under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This legal measure was necessary to prevent further escalation and maintain public safety. Singal assured residents that the situation was now under control and that the police were actively investigating the events.
The backlash from the film’s portrayal of historical events appears to have resonated deeply with people already on edge due to social, political, and religious tensions. “If you set cities on fire after watching a movie or seeing Aurangzeb’s effigy being burned, then your mind needs treatment,” remarked one social media user, reflecting the anger and frustration of many who felt manipulated by the narrative presented in Chhaava.
While some state leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, have called for peace and calm, others have criticized the political climate leading up to the violence. Harshvardhan Sapkal, Maharashtra Congress Chief, accused the state administration of failing to control the situation and suggested that certain ministers had been making provocative speeches that fueled the unrest.
The violent episodes in Nagpur, while tragic, are a testament to how art, media, and social influence can combine to ignite real-world consequences. The Chhaava film, despite being a fictionalized recounting of history, triggered passions that spiraled out of control, leaving the city of Nagpur and its residents grappling with the aftermath.
As Nagpur returns to a fragile peace, authorities continue their efforts to restore order and prevent further escalation. But the events of the past days underscore a larger issue: the profound impact of media, films, and rumors on the social fabric, urging us to reconsider how we engage with narratives that have the power to shape public sentiment and, ultimately, real-world action.
