Bombay High Court to Hear Filmmaker’s Plea Against Suspension of Shivaji Film

National Award-winning filmmaker Raj Pritam More has approached the Bombay High Court against the suspension of the censor certificate for his Marathi film Khalid ka Shivaji. The suspension was ordered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B Ministry) on August 7, 2025, just a day before its scheduled release, after protests claiming the movie misrepresented Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

More argues that the decision is arbitrary, politically motivated, and violates his right to free speech. He pointed out that the film had already received certification from the CBFC in November 2024, after making the changes suggested by the board. It had also been selected for prestigious film festivals, including Cannes 2025, and enjoyed support from the Maharashtra government.

Objections arose after the trailer release, with right-wing groups opposing the portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj as secular and the depiction of a strong Muslim presence in his army. They alleged these representations were historically inaccurate.

According to the petition, the Ministry issued a notice under Section 6(2) of the Cinematograph Act with less than an hour’s notice, calling More for a hearing. By the same evening, the certificate was suspended for one month citing “public interest” and possible law-and-order issues. The filmmaker contends that the process denied him a fair hearing and relied on speculative claims without concrete evidence.

A Bench of Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Neela Gokhale refused to grant immediate relief but directed that no further extension of suspension should be made without hearing the filmmaker first. The Court also asked the Ministry to consider any representation filed by More before the suspension ends.

The petition will be heard again on September 22, 2025.