The screening of Vicky Kaushal’s film Chhava, based on the bravery and sacrifice of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, took an unexpected and controversial turn during a late-night showing in Bharuch, Gujarat. The film, which has received widespread praise for its compelling story and powerful performances, became the backdrop for a shocking incident when an audience member vandalized the theater screen during an intense climax scene.
Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna Shares Emotional Journey of Portraying Maharani Yesubai in 'Chhaava'
The incident took place on Sunday night at 11:45 PM during the movie’s depiction of the capture and torture of Maharaj Sambhaji by Aurangzeb. Overcome with emotion during the scene, Jayesh Vasava, an inebriated individual, charged toward the screen, using a fire extinguisher to cause significant damage before tearing it apart. The shocking moment was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, sparking controversy.
The theater owner immediately contacted the police, and staff members quickly intervened to prevent further disruption. Vasava was removed from the theater, and authorities took him into custody. The police noted that the man’s actions were driven by his emotional response to the film, particularly the depiction of Sambhaji Maharaj’s brutal treatment at the hands of Aurangzeb in 1689.
RK Cinema's general manager, RV Sood, confirmed the damage, stating, "We received a call from staff about the incident. I instructed them to remove the individual to avoid further harm." The cinema suffered a loss of approximately Rs 1.5 lakh due to the damage. Repairs were carried out immediately, and the theater hoped to resume screenings that evening.To accommodate affected viewers, the theater offered the option to either continue watching the film on an adjacent screen or receive a refund. While some opted for a refund, others chose to finish the movie on a different screen.