Prithviraj Controversy: Akshay Kumar's effigy burnt in Chandigarh

Trouble seems to be mounting for the makers of Akshay Kumar’s ‘Prithviraj’ as a fresh controversy has now erupted. According to reports, In Chandigarh, there was a strong demonstration about the film Prithviraj led by Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha, who are demanding a title change. People associated with the organisation said that the name of the film cannot be just Prithviraj, but the full name of the film should be ‘Hindu Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan’ or ‘Emperor Prithviraj Chauhan’. This is because Prithviraj Chauhan was the last Hindu emperor and in such a scenario, the name of the film should give full respect to his name. They also demanded that before the release of the film, it should be shown to the representatives of Kshatriya and Rajput society so that they can see whether there is any controversy in the film or if there is any tampering with history in the film. If so, they would be able to point that out.

After the protest in Sector 45, Chandigarh, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha reportedly said that if the producer-director does not resolve all of the film's concerns, the film will end up the same way as what Padmaavat and Jodhaa Akbar endured during their release. During this time, loud messages were screamed and an effigy of the film's producer, director, and actor, Akshay Kumar were burned. The film is slated to release in November 2021. Prithviraj was announced on Akshay's 52nd birthday. Speaking about the film, Akshay had earlier said that it is an honour for him to play the role of Chahamana dynasty’s bravest ruler. "It is truly an honour that I will be playing the role of one of the most fearless and courageous kings of India, Prithviraj Chauhan. As a nation, we should always celebrate our heroes and immortalise what they did to propagate the values that Indians lived by. Prithviraj is our attempt to bring to light his valour and daredevilry,” Akshay said. The movie is a Yash Raj Films production and is helmed by Chandraprakash Diwedi.