Controversy over 'Chauhaan' teaser:Kshatriya Parishad says 'History shouldn't be shown through a communal lens'

Ajay Devgn's film 'Chauhaan's' teaser has landed in controversy. An organisation named ‘Kshatriya Parishad’ stated that historical heritage should not be used as a medium for communal mobilisation. The organisation appealed to the film producers not to use the name Rajput to incite ethnic and communal sentiments. The film's teaser was released on 25 June. It features a dialogue in Ajay Devgn's voice, “Pathano se keh do Chauhaan aa gya hai” (Tell the Pathans, Chauhaan has arrived). On social media, some people described it as an attempt to escalate religious division. The film also received criticism for its depiction of the Kashmir conflict and for suggesting that pellet guns cause less damage. Kshatriya Parishad stated in its statement that the complexity of history should be respected and Rajput heritage should not be used for political or ideological purposes. The organisation said that the use of the surname 'Chauhaan' for contemporary communal politics cannot be accepted. The organisation stated that when the voice of the Rajput community is already underrepresented in mainstream media and public discourse, using a Rajput surname merely to incite controversy, ethnic and communal sentiments, or to create a political atmosphere is irresponsible and disrespectful. Examples from history also given The organisation stated that Indian history cannot be viewed from a communal perspective. The statement said that on many occasions, Rajputs and Pathans fought together. This includes Mahmud Lodi under the leadership of Maharana Sanga in the Battle of Khanwa, Hakim Khan Sur in Maharana Pratap's army at Haldighati, Farid Khan (later Sher Shah Suri)'s association with Raja Raisal Shekhawat, and Maharaja Vikramaditya Tomar fighting with the Lodi army in the First Battle of Panipat. The organistion said that these incidents show that medieval political alliances were based on governance, loyalty, and military strategy, and not on the communal perspective being imposed today. The film's teaser received both praise and criticism on social media. Actress Swara Bhaskar shared a news report related to the youngest victim of a pellet gun in Kashmir and wrote that pellet guns do not cause minor harm, but are a serious human rights violation. She also said that mainstream Kashmiris are not Pathans and wrote 'Vivek Agnihotri-fication of Bollywood' with the post. Produced under the banners of Jio Studios and Colour Yellow Productions, this film by Jyoti Deshpande, Aanand L Rai, and Himanshu Sharma will be released on October 1.