Mumbai (Representative) – A new controversy has now surrounded the film The Maharashtra File, which has become a topic of discussion across the state and has been receiving an enthusiastic response from audiences at several places. The Maratha Kranti Morcha has expressed strong displeasure, alleging that the Maratha community has allegedly been referred to as “Chhota Maratha” in the film. In this regard, an official complaint has been filed with the Censor Board as well as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding the removal of the objectionable portion from the film.
According to the office-bearers of the Maratha Kranti Morcha, the Maratha community is an inseparable part of Maharashtra’s social, historical and cultural life. They have claimed that referring to such a community in any film in words that imply inferiority hurts the sentiments of the community. The Morcha has stated that the term “Chhota Maratha” creates a distinction of big and small within the community and harms its dignity.
Producer-director Sanjiv Kumar Rathod’s film The Maharashtra File had been widely discussed even before its release. Since the film comments on the state’s administrative machinery, social issues and various sensitive subjects, its content had become a subject of discussion at several levels. There were also discussions that some hurdles had arisen during the censor process of the film. However, after completing the necessary process, the film received permission for release and was subsequently released in various theatres across the state.
After the film’s release, some viewers appreciated the way the subject was presented, while some social organizations raised objections to certain references in the film. Now, with the issue raised by the Maratha Kranti Morcha, it is being said that this controversy may intensify further.
Maratha Kranti Morcha office-bearer Abhay Patil has directly filed a complaint with the Central Board of Film Certification in this matter. He has also sent a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding his intervention in the matter.
According to the Morcha, if the film contains dialogues or references that hurt the sentiments of the community, the question arises as to on what basis the Censor Board approved them. They have stated that such content needs to be properly verified.
Some office-bearers of the Maratha Kranti Morcha have warned that if the administration and the Censor Board do not take appropriate cognizance of the matter, they will launch an agitation across the state. However, it has been said that the final decision regarding the nature of the agitation and the next course of action will be announced soon.
Some office-bearers have also issued a strong warning of intense protests against theatres screening the film, stating that if the film is shown, they will set the cinema hall on fire.
An attempt was made to get the reaction of the film’s producer-director Sanjiv Kumar Rathod on this entire controversy. However, he could not be contacted. Therefore, everyone is now watching to see what clarification the film production house will give regarding these allegations.
At present, two different streams of opinion are visible regarding the film. On one side, there is a section that welcomes the film’s commentary on social and administrative issues, while on the other side, some social groups have strongly objected to specific references in the film. As a result, the question of maintaining a balance between freedom of expression and social responsibility has once again come to the center of discussion.
Following the complaint by the Maratha Kranti Morcha, the state is now watching what stand will be taken by the Chief Minister’s Office, the Home Department and the Censor Board. Whether the complaint will be taken cognizance of and the film will be re-examined, or whether the matter will remain limited only to warnings of agitation, is likely to become clear in the coming days.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the All India Banjara community, a warning has also been issued to Sanjiv Kumar that they will not remain silent. It will be important to see whether this controversy over The Maharashtra File intensifies further in the coming period or whether a solution emerges through dialogue.