Backlash Over Ajay Devgn Chauhan Trailer

Ajay Devgn is currently starring in a film titled Chauhan. The film directed by Neeraj Yadav revolves around a security officer who takes charge when peaceful methods fail to control a militant uprising in Pulwama, 2018, despite massive military resources deployed by the nation.

The makers released the Chauhan first glimpse, and it received backlash from all quarters. The film, described as a gritty actioner, shows a masked Devgn in a bandana with a skull motif overseeing protesters in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama as they line up against army guards. A pellet-gun sequence in the teaser has also drawn attention, with Devgn’s character referring to the impact of pellet guns as “limited damage.”

Kshatriya Parishad took a strong exception and came up with the following press release.

“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.”

“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.”

"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.”