Kshatriya Karni Sena chief Dr Raj Shekhawat has warned filmmakers against what he described as attacks on Sanatan Dharma, saying the group would confront those responsible at their Mumbai residences if religious and community sentiments were harmed.Shekhawat’s remarks, delivered during a public interaction and circulated widely on social media, mark the latest flashpoint in the ongoing tension between sections of right-wing groups and the Hindi film industry. He accused certain filmmakers of deliberately targeting Hindu beliefs for commercial gain and cautioned that any perceived insult would invite direct action from his organisation.
“If sentiments are hurt, we will teach them a lesson,” Shekhawat said, asserting that members of the Kshatriya Karni Sena would not hesitate to visit the homes of those involved in projects they deemed offensive. He did not name a specific film in his statement, but the warning was framed as a broader message to the industry.
The Kshatriya Karni Sena, which has been active in protests over historical and cultural portrayals in cinema, has drawn national attention in the past. The organisation emerged prominently during the controversy surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2018 film Padmaavat, when protests, vandalism and threats were reported in several states. At the time, the group objected to the depiction of Rajput history and claimed the film distorted facts.
Law enforcement agencies in Maharashtra have not announced any fresh cases in connection with Shekhawat’s statement, but officials have previously underscored that threats of violence, including intimidation at private residences, can attract criminal charges under provisions relating to unlawful assembly and criminal intimidation. Mumbai Police has, in earlier disputes involving film releases, stepped up security around cinemas and production houses to prevent unrest.
Free speech advocates argue that public threats undermine constitutional protections afforded to artistic expression. Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, subject to reasonable restrictions. Film certification in the country is overseen by the Central Board of Film Certification, which examines content before release. Legal experts note that any grievances regarding a film’s portrayal of religion or community can be challenged through established judicial processes rather than through public intimidation.
Producers’ guilds and film associations have historically responded to similar warnings by appealing for dialogue and adherence to the rule of law. Representatives of major production houses have maintained that cinema often explores complex social themes and that creative interpretation should not be conflated with deliberate provocation. At the same time, industry figures acknowledge that religious sensitivities remain a powerful force in public discourse and can influence box office prospects.
Political reactions to such statements tend to be measured, with leaders across parties reiterating the need for peace while emphasising respect for all faiths. Past episodes have shown that controversies over film content can escalate rapidly, particularly when amplified by social media platforms. Analysts tracking online discourse observe that short video clips and edited statements frequently circulate without full context, fuelling polarised debate.
Shekhawat’s intervention comes at a time when several high-profile productions are exploring mythological and historical subjects. The growing appetite for large-scale epics and reinterpretations of classical narratives has brought both commercial success and controversy. Scholars of religion and media point out that reinterpretations of Sanatan Dharma traditions have long existed in literature and theatre, and that disputes often hinge on differing interpretations rather than objective misrepresentation.
Security experts warn that calls to physically confront filmmakers risk creating a climate of fear. Previous instances of protests outside residences of actors and directors have required police deployment to prevent clashes. Industry insiders say that personal security arrangements have become more common for prominent figures following repeated episodes of agitation.
Civil society groups have urged restraint, arguing that disagreements over content should be resolved through debate and legal recourse rather than threats. They stress that the film industry employs thousands of workers whose livelihoods can be disrupted by halted productions and delayed releases.
Shekhawat has positioned his remarks as a defence of faith and community pride, stating that his organisation seeks to protect traditions from what it sees as distortion. Critics counter that invoking collective sentiment as a basis for direct action sets a troubling precedent in a plural society.