From blockbuster to blame: Why Vicky Kaushal is being held responsible for Nagpur riots over Chhaava
Vicky Kaushal¡¯s film Chhaava is at the center of controversy as netizens blame it for the Nagpur violence. With social media outrage and accusations flying, the debate over films influencing public sentiment has once again taken center stage.
Vicky Kaushal, a Hindu man married to Katrina Kaif, a woman with a Muslim father and a Christian mother¡ªis suddenly at the center of a controversy. His film Chhaava, which was released over a month ago, is now being blamed for the communal violence in Nagpur. But how did a Bollywood actor become the face of a riot?
What happened in Nagpur?
#Chhaava Blockbuster hui ho ya nahi Real Life me Nafrat Failane me Hit hui hai #NagpurRiots iska Gawah hai #NagpurViolence pic.twitter.com/EPIAmJ2uNY
¡ª A Zainab (@AZainab10) March 17, 2025
On Monday, two groups clashed in Nagpur¡¯s Mahal area near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj¡¯s statue. Supporters of one group were protesting against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb¡¯s tomb and burned his effigy along with a green cloth. A rumour quickly spread that a religious book had been burned, escalating tensions into violent riots. Stones were thrown, vehicles were torched, and even fire brigade personnel were attacked.
The police had to use tear gas and lathis to control the situation, while Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis appealed for calm. However, even Fadnavis pointed fingers at Chhaava as the trigger for the violence.
What is the movie Chhaava all about?
Credit: X
Chhaava is a historical drama about the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film has been accused of fictionalizing the torture of Hindus under Aurangzeb, leading to debates over its historical accuracy. While the movie has been a massive box office success, collecting over 500 crores, it has also been labeled as a ¡®propaganda film¡¯ by some critics.
Vicky Kaushal under attack: The internet reacts
Because of Vicky Kaushal¡¯s film, violence erupted in Nagpur, targeting innocent Muslims. Now, it's our turn to act ¨C let¡¯s unite and boycott him and all the brands that endorse him. #BoycottVickyKaushal@vickykaushal09 @campusshoes@zomato @oppo @havellsindia @WildStoneIndia pic.twitter.com/HF8V8mzhCb
¡ª ? ?MUFASA? ? (@M101Returns) March 18, 2025
Social media exploded with outrage against Vicky Kaushal, holding him responsible for inciting communal hatred. Some users went as far as wishing him harm, saying he ¡°deserved to burn in the same fire.¡± Others declared his career ¡°ruined forever¡± and called him a ¡°disgrace to humanity¡± for acting in a so-called propaganda film.
The real question: Who is actually responsible?
Vicky Kaushal did not throw stones. He did not set fire to vehicles. He did not spread rumours. Yet, he is being blamed. The bigger question is¡ªwhy are we letting hate-mongers get away while an actor takes the fall?
Nancy Jaiswal is a journalist who started her career in reporting and has covered both hard and soft news. From serious city news developments to lighthearted lifestyle pieces, she has written on almost everything hapenning in India (except maybe alien invasions¡ªyet!). For her, writing isn¡¯t just work; it¡¯s a passion, an obsession, and sometimes the reason she forgets to reply to texts.
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