‘Irresponsible, disrespectful’: Teaser of film ‘Chauhaan’ criticised by Kshatriya group

Ajay Devgn’s upcoming film *Chauhaan*, directed by Neeraj Yadav, has become embroiled in controversy shortly after the release of its teaser. The film, which is scheduled for a 2027 release, has drawn sharp criticism from the Kshatriya Parishad, a prominent Rajput organization. The group has raised concerns about the use of the term "Chauhaan" in the film’s title and its portrayal in the teaser, accusing the film’s creators of misrepresenting and exploiting Rajput history for contemporary political purposes.

According to the Kshatriya Parishad, the use of the Chauhan clan name in the film is problematic because it appears to be tied to modern communal and political narratives. In a detailed statement released on social media, the organization criticized the film for allegedly attempting to "weaponize Rajput history" and "appropriate Rajput identities" for what it describes as "electoral or ideological purposes." The group emphasized that the Chauhans are a significant historical lineage within the Rajput community and that their legacy belongs to history, not to current political agendas or manufactured media controversies.

The Kshatriya Parishad expressed deep disappointment over the perceived exploitation of Rajput identity, stating that the community had not initiated or endorsed such a narrative. They pointed out that Rajput voices are currently underrepresented in mainstream media and public discourse, making it particularly inappropriate to invoke a Rajput clan name in a manner that might provoke outrage or inflame caste and communal tensions. This sentiment was echoed by several critics and members of the public, many of whom felt that the film’s approach was disrespectful and insensitive.

The organization also highlighted historical instances where Rajput and non-Rajput groups collaborated in medieval times, emphasizing that these alliances were based on strategic and military considerations rather than communal divisions. For example, they referenced the Battle of Khanwa, where Mahmud Lodi fought under the leadership of Maharana Sanga, and the Battle of Haldighati, where Hakim Khan Sur served in Maharana Pratap’s army. Additionally, they mentioned Farid Khan, who later became Sher Shah Suri, and his early military service under Raja Raisal Shekhawat, as well as Maharaja Vikramaditya Tomar’s role in the First Battle of Panipat alongside the Lodi forces. These examples were presented to demonstrate that medieval political alliances were not defined by communal lines but by broader strategic interests.

The controversy surrounding *Chauhaan* intensified after the release of its teaser, which included a voiceover by Ajay Devgn discussing the ongoing conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. The teaser depicted scenes from a 2018 protest in Pulwama, with Devgn’s character commenting on the limited effectiveness of pellet guns and water cannons used by security forces. He warned that an answer to the protesters’ grievances was on the horizon, culminating in the line, “Tell the Pathans: Chauhaan is coming.” This line quickly became a focal point of criticism, with many Kashmiri individuals and political figures expressing outrage over the perceived trivialization of the suffering caused by pellet guns in the region.

Kashmiri political leaders, including National Conference MP Ruhullah Mehdi, voiced their concerns about the film’s portrayal of pellet guns. Mehdi pointed out that official records indicate over 6,200 people were injured by pellet guns during the 2016–17 unrest, with many sustaining severe eye injuries. He emphasized that for those affected, the issue was not just a cinematic backdrop but a lived reality marked by trauma and loss. Similarly, National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar criticized the teaser for potentially inciting violence in Kashmir, arguing that it mocked the experiences of those who had suffered due to the use of pellet guns.

The Kshatriya Parishad reiterated its stance that Rajput history should not be reduced to simplistic communal binaries. They called for responsible engagement with India’s past, urging filmmakers, political leaders, and media organizations to avoid using historical legacies as tools for divisive political agendas. Their message was clear: the legacy of the Chauhans and other Rajput clans should be respected and preserved without being co-opted for contemporary political or ideological purposes.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the film industry and political landscape in India will likely watch closely to see how the situation develops. The response from the Kshatriya Parishad and others suggests that there is growing sensitivity around the representation of historical and cultural identities in popular media, and the outcome of this dispute may influence future creative decisions in the entertainment sector.