Actor Ajay Devgn's upcoming film Chauhaan has landed in controversy shortly after its title was announced, with the first glimpse.
The Kshatriya Parishad objected to the use of the name Chauhaan and its portrayal in the film's first glimpse.
The organisation has accused the makers of "weaponising Rajput history" and "appropriating Rajput identities" for what it described as contemporary political narratives.
The Chauhans are a historic Rajput (Kshatriya) lineage whose legacy belongs to history, not to partisan campaigns or manufactured media controversies,” the statement read.
advertisementThe group further asserted that it rejects all attempts to "weaponise Rajput history" or "appropriate Rajput identities for electoral or ideological purposes."
Actor Ajay Devgn's upcoming film Chauhaan has landed in controversy shortly after its title was announced, with the first glimpse. The Kshatriya Parishad objected to the use of the name Chauhaan and its portrayal in the film's first glimpse. The organisation has accused the makers of "weaponising Rajput history" and "appropriating Rajput identities" for what it described as contemporary political narratives.
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In a statement shared on social media, the Kshatriya Parishad alleged that the film was using the Chauhan clan name for "contemporary communal politics" and claimed such attempts were being made for "electoral or ideological purposes."
Condemning the clip, the organisation asserted that the Chauhans are a historic Rajput (Kshatriya) lineage whose legacy belongs to history and should not be drawn into "partisan campaigns or manufactured media controversies."
“Kshatriya Parishad strongly condemns the recent attempt by Neeraj Yadav and actor Ajay Devgn to appropriate the Chauhan clan name for contemporary communal politics. The Chauhans are a historic Rajput (Kshatriya) lineage whose legacy belongs to history, not to partisan campaigns or manufactured media controversies,” the statement read.
Calling the development "deeply unfortunate," it further alleged that Rajput identity was once again being invoked in a political narrative that the community had neither initiated nor endorsed.
“It is deeply unfortunate that Rajput identity is once again being dragged into a political narrative that Rajputs neither initiated nor sought. At a time when Rajput voices remain under-represented 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.
The Kshatriya Parishad further argued that such portrayals reflect an "ignorance of Indian history" and reduce the subcontinent's complex past to simplistic communal binaries.
Backing its stand, the group cited several historical examples, saying that medieval political alliances were driven by statecraft, military strategy and political loyalties rather than the present-day communal narratives often associated with them.
“Such attempts also betray a profound ignorance of Indian history. Mahmud Lodi fought under the leadership of Maharana Sanga at the Battle of Khanwa; Hakim Khan Sur commanded a contingent in the army of Maharana Pratap at Haldighati; Farid Khan, who later became Sher Shah Suri, is traditionally associated with military service under Raja Raisal Shekhawat in his early career; and Maharaja Vikramaditya Tomar laid down his life fighting alongside the 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,” they wrote.
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The group further asserted that it rejects all attempts to "weaponise Rajput history" or "appropriate Rajput identities for electoral or ideological purposes." It also urged political leaders, filmmakers and media organisations to engage with India's history responsibly, stressing that Rajput heritage should not be used as "bait for divisive political debate."
Chauhaan title announcement
The title announcement teaser presents Ajay Devgn in an intense, larger-than-life action avatar. It opens with a gritty monologue about decades of unrest in Kashmir, referencing 75 years of conflict, heavy military deployment and temporary measures that have failed to deliver a lasting solution. The clip then builds towards a powerful warning, culminating in the dialogue, "Pathaanon se kehna, Chauhaan aa raha hai," positioning Devgn's character as the force set to change the course of the conflict.
About Chauhaan
Chauhaan also marks Ajay Devgn’s first collaboration with Aanand L Rai. Presented by Jio Studios and Colour Yellow Productions, the film is directed by Neeraj Yadav and produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma. The project has been described as an action entertainer made for the big screen.
The film has been lined up for a theatrical release on October 1, 2027.
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