Mumbai Dabbawalas, Hindu Janjagruti Samiti Demand 'Chhaava' Movie Be Made Tax-Free To Honor Chhatrapati Sambhaji

Mumbai: On Shivaji Jayanti Day, there were demands that the government should make the recently released movie 'Chhaava' based on the life and death of Chhatrapati Sambhaji, tax-free

The association of dabbawalas, Mumbai's unique tiffin delivery service, has said that the film about the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was tortured and killed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, should be granted 'tax-free' status so that more people see the film.

"My colleagues have seen the film and it is the true story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji. Every Marathi and Hindu family should go and watch the movie," said Ulhas Muke, president of the Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Charity Trust, an association of nearly 2000 dabbawalas. The association said they would organise the movie's screening for their members.

The Hindu Janjagruti Samiti has also written to the Maharashtra Chief Minister asking him to make the film tax-free. Ramesh Shinde, national spokesperson for the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti, said the film correctly portrays Chhatrapati Sambhaji.

"There were some issues when there was no mention of Hindavi Swaraj. The producers have corrected it. Young people are watching stories about fictional heroes like the Avengers. Here we have the story of a real hero," said Shinde.

The film, released on February 14, is based on the book 'Chava' by Vishal Pawar. The book tells the story of the early years of Chhatrapati Sambhaji, also known as Chava, his rule, his capture by the Mughals, and his martyrdom.