The Kshatriya Parishad, a prominent Rajput organization, has strongly criticized the makers of the upcoming film 'Chauhan' starring Ajay Devgn, accusing them of appropriating the Rajput identity for communal politics. In a statement released on Monday, the Parishad urged the filmmakers to refrain from using the Rajput name to inflame caste and communal sentiments.
Film's Controversial Teaser
The teaser of 'Chauhan', released three days ago, features a voiceover by Devgn as he prepares to fight a mob. A particular line, "Tell Pathaans that Chauhan has come," has sparked widespread backlash on social media, with many interpreting it as an attempt to deepen religious divides. The film has also drawn criticism for its depiction of the Kashmir conflict and for suggesting that pellet guns cause "minimal damage."
Parishad's Strong Condemnation
In its statement, the Kshatriya Parishad emphasized that historical memory should not become a tool for communal mobilization. "We call upon political actors, filmmakers, and media organisations to engage with India's past responsibly, respecting historical complexity rather than exploiting Rajput heritage as bait for divisive political debate," the statement read.
The organization specifically condemned actor Ajay Devgn and the film's producers, accusing them of appropriating "the Chauhan clan name for contemporary communal politics." The Parishad rejected any attempt to weaponize Rajput history or appropriate Rajput identities for electoral or ideological purposes.
"At a time when Rajput voices remain underrepresented in mainstream media and public discourse, invoking a Rajput clan name merely to provoke outrage, inflame caste and communal sentiments, or generate political spectacle is both irresponsible and disrespectful," the statement added.
Historical Rajput-Pathan Alliances
To counter the divisive narrative, the Parishad cited historical instances where Rajputs and Pathans fought together. Examples include Mahmud Lodi fighting under Maharana Sanga at the Battle of Khanwa, Hakim Khan Sur commanding a contingent in Maharana Pratap's army at Haldighati, Farid Khan (later Sher Shah Suri) serving under Raja Raisal Shekhawat, and Maharaja Vikramaditya Tomar laying down his life alongside Lodi forces in the First Battle of Panipat.
"These episodes illustrate that medieval political alliances were shaped by statecraft, loyalty, and military strategy—not by the communal narratives being imposed upon them today," the statement noted.
Social Media Backlash
The teaser has drawn criticism from various quarters. Actor Swara Bhasker cited a news report on the youngest pellet victim in Kashmir and questioned, "Is this what you want to glorify Bollywood?? Pellet guns are not 'limited damage'. They are a gross human rights violation. And mainstream Kashmiris are not Pathaans. Kuch to research kar liya karo yaar." She termed it the "Vivek Agnihotri-fication of Bollywood," referencing the filmmaker behind 'The Kashmir Files'.
Film Release Details
Backed by Jyoti Deshpande, Aanand L Rai, and Himanshu Sharma under Jio Studios and Color Yellow Productions, 'Chauhan' is scheduled for release on October 1.
