Why There Is A Boycott Call On Rishab Shetty's Shivaji Maharaj Film?

Kannada actor Rishab Shetty has come under attack from a section of audience following the announcement of his next biggie Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Announcing the news, he said in a post on X: "Our Honour & Privilege, Presenting the Epic Saga of India's Greatest Warrior King - The Pride of Bharat: #ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj. #ThePrideOfBharatChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj

This isn't just a film - it's a battle cry to honor a warrior who fought against all odds, challenged the might of the Mighty Mughal empire, and forged a legacy that can never be forgotten." The movie will hit the screens on January 2027.

Sandeep Singh, known for films like Mary Kom, Bajirao Mastani, is helming the project.

However, a section of netizens have vented out frustation over Shetty taking up the project as they feel that he could have taken up project on popular kings and freedom fighters from Karnataka. One user said, "The Kadambas, Chalukyas, The Hoysalas, Nayakas, Vijayanagara Kings, Mysuru Kings - crying in their grave today. Dr Rajkumar who played the magnificent Mayura Varma, Krishna Devaraya is also crying in his grave now.

Well done Shettre 👌 It is wrong to have expectations on you that you will bring back the glory to our state! Just when we think things are going good for the KKK, this had to happen! This must happen to us, we who love you must receive this whipping! 👏."

The second user commented, "It all ended that kannada stars are for Karnataka...Now people should also start choosing his /thier films as options over other language dubbed films. Which they have started."

Calling for a ban on the movie in Karnataka, a netizen commented, "Kannadigas don't want this movie we will boycott. Who is Shivaji What are his contributions to Karnataka & Kannadigas. He was just a Maratha Ruler who ruled tiny parts of Maharashtra. His army had majority Muslim Generals how will he be the Savior of Hindus."

However, the director has said that Shetty was the only choice for the movie. He told Bollywood Hungama: "Rishab Shetty was my first and only choice for the role-he truly embodies the strength, spirit and valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This film has been my dream for many years now, and it is my privilege and honor to be bringing this story to the silver screen. The film has been envisioned with a scale, grandeur and never seen before action choreography that will help take Indian cinema truly global."