Mumbai: The controversy surrounding Ajay Devgn’s upcoming film Chauhaan has intensified after the Kshatriya Parishad publicly criticised the film’s teaser, accusing the makers of misrepresenting Rajput history and using the Chauhan clan’s legacy for what it described as “electoral or ideological purposes.” The objections come just days after the film’s action-packed teaser sparked widespread debate over its portrayal of historical and political themes.
Directed by Neeraj Yadav, Chauhaan stars Ajay Devgn in the lead role and is scheduled to release on October 1, 2027. However, even before its theatrical debut, the film has found itself at the centre of multiple controversies, ranging from its depiction of the Kashmir conflict to allegations of communal messaging and historical distortion.
In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, the Kshatriya Parishad condemned what it termed the “weaponisation of Rajput history” and the “appropriation of Rajput identities.” The organisation argued that the Chauhan dynasty is an integral part of India’s historical heritage and should not be used to advance contemporary political narratives or generate media controversies.
According to the Parishad, Rajput history belongs to the broader historical record rather than partisan campaigns. The organisation expressed concern that invoking the Chauhan name in the film could inflame caste and communal sentiments while reducing a complex historical legacy to a political tool.
The statement further noted that Rajput identity was once again being drawn into a political discourse that, according to the organisation, Rajputs neither initiated nor sought. It also criticised the continued underrepresentation of Rajput voices in mainstream public discussions, stating that using the community’s historical identity merely to provoke outrage or create political spectacle was both irresponsible and disrespectful.
To support its position, the Kshatriya Parishad highlighted several historical examples demonstrating that medieval Indian politics was shaped by alliances, military strategy and statecraft rather than simplistic religious divisions. The organisation cited instances such as Mahmud Lodi fighting under Maharana Sanga during the Battle of Khanwa, Hakim Khan Sur serving in Maharana Pratap’s army at the Battle of Haldighati, Farid Khan, later known as Sher Shah Suri, being traditionally associated with military service under Raja Raisal Shekhawat during his early career, and Maharaja Vikramaditya Tomar fighting alongside the Lodi forces in the First Battle of Panipat.
According to the organisation, these historical episodes illustrate that political and military alliances frequently crossed religious and ethnic lines, making it inaccurate to portray medieval conflicts through modern communal narratives. The Parishad urged filmmakers, political leaders and media organisations to approach India’s history responsibly while respecting its historical complexity instead of exploiting Rajput heritage for divisive debates.
The latest criticism follows an earlier wave of backlash triggered by the film’s teaser shortly after its release. One of the most debated moments involved a dialogue suggesting that pellet guns cause only “minimal damage.” The line drew criticism from several social media users and public figures, who argued that it downplayed the serious humanitarian concerns associated with the use of pellet guns in conflict zones.
Another dialogue from the teaser, Ajay Devgn’s voiceover stating, “Tell the Pathans, Chauhaan is coming,” also generated significant controversy online. Critics alleged that the line risked reinforcing communal stereotypes and presenting a simplistic narrative that many believed could be interpreted as targeting an entire community.
Despite the growing criticism, the makers of Chauhaan have not issued a detailed public response to either the objections raised by the Kshatriya Parishad or the earlier concerns voiced over the teaser’s dialogues.
The film is being produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma under the banners of Jio Studios and Colour Yellow Productions.
