The teaser for Ajay Devgn's upcoming film "Chauhaan" has ignited controversy on two fronts: fan-driven nostalgia over a perceived rivalry with Shah Rukh Khan and a political dispute with Rajput community leaders. Released on June 25, the teaser presents a political action thriller set in Kashmir, following an Army officer tasked with quelling militant unrest amid scenes of stone-pelting and street clashes. Directed by Neeraj Yadav and produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aanand L Rai, and Himanshu Sharma, the film is backed by Jio Studios and Colour Yellow Productions, with a release date set for October 1, 2027.
Dialogue Sparks Rivalry Speculation
A single line from the teaser has dominated social media discourse. Devgn's character declares, “75 saal baad jawaab aa raha hai, Pathaanon se kehna, Chauhaan aa raha.” Fans quickly linked this to Shah Rukh Khan's 2023 blockbuster "Pathaan," interpreting it as a nod to the longstanding box-office rivalry between the two actors. This rivalry dates back three decades, with both entering the industry in the early 1990s but cultivating distinct followings—Khan through romance-driven stardom and Devgn through action and grounded roles. Their sharpest public clash occurred in 2012 when Khan's "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" and Devgn's "Son of Sardaar" released during the same Diwali window, leading to a dispute between Devgn's production banner and Yash Raj Films over screen allocation. The two have remained loosely connected since, largely through Devgn's wife Kajol, who has frequently worked with Khan, though Khan has publicly stated that he and Devgn are not personally close.
Rajput Community Objects
While the rivalry chatter has entertained fans, a more serious objection has emerged from the Kshatriya Parishad, a Rajput advocacy organization. In a statement on X, the group accused the filmmakers of appropriating the Chauhan name—tied to a historic Rajput royal lineage—for what it described as communal or electoral purposes. The statement argued that Rajput history should not be treated as material for political messaging, noting that the community already receives little fair representation in mainstream media. It added that using Rajput identity to manufacture outrage is irresponsible. The group concluded with a broader appeal for filmmakers and political figures to handle historical subject matter more responsibly, rather than using it to spark division. As of now, Devgn, director Neeraj Yadav, and the production houses have not responded to the criticism.
