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Mumbai: Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced that the state will initiate legal and administrative measures to remove the film 'Khalid Ka Shivaji' from Cannes Film Festival listings.

This follows allegations that the production distorts historical facts and hurts public sentiment regarding Maratha icon Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Shelar revealed that an investigation has been ordered into how the film secured selection for Cannes. The state government has formally requested the Centre to revoke its censor certificate and halt further screenings. Central agencies have already notified Director Raj Pritam More and the producers.

"The government stands firmly with historians and devotees of Chhatrapati Shivaji. We will not tolerate tampering with history or attacks on public sentiments," Shelar asserted.

The decision comes after sustained objections from right-wing groups, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, culminating in protests during Tuesday’s Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards ceremony.

'Khalid Ka Shivaji', directed by National Award-winning filmmaker More (2019’s 'Khissa'), narrates the story of a Muslim boy discovering Shivaji’s legacy.

The controversy reignites Maharashtra’s longstanding debate over whether Shivaji should be portrayed primarily as a Hindu warrior-king or a secular ruler who fought oppression beyond religious lines.

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