First Look at 'Chauhaan': A Political Action Thriller Set in Kashmir
Introducing 'Chauhaan': A Glimpse into Kashmir's Turmoil
The teaser for Chauhaan was unveiled on June 25, offering viewers an initial glimpse of what is being described as a political action thriller set against the backdrop of Kashmir. The narrative centers around an Army officer assigned to quell militant unrest, showcasing intense scenes of stone-pelting and street confrontations. Directed by Neeraj Yadav and produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aanand L Rai, and Himanshu Sharma, the film is a collaboration between Jio Studios and Colour Yellow Productions, with a release date set for October 1, 2027.
A particular line from the teaser has sparked widespread discussion on social media. Devgn's character declares, “75 saal baad jawaab aa raha hai, Pathaanon se kehna, Chauhaan aa raha.” Fans quickly connected this phrase to Shah Rukh Khan’s 2023 hit Pathaan, interpreting it as a reference to the longstanding box-office rivalry between the two actors.
This rivalry has its roots in the early 1990s when both actors made their debuts in the film industry, carving out unique fan bases—Khan through romantic roles and Devgn through action-packed performances. Their most notable public feud occurred in 2012 when both Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardaar were released during the same Diwali period, leading to a dispute over the allocation of theater screens between Devgn's production company and Yash Raj Films. Despite their competitive history, the two have maintained a loose connection, primarily through Kajol, Devgn's wife, who has frequently collaborated with Khan and is often regarded as one of his favored co-stars, even though Khan has publicly stated that he and Devgn are not personally close.
While the rivalry has entertained fans, a more serious concern has emerged from the Kshatriya Parishad, a Rajput advocacy group. They issued a statement on X, accusing the filmmakers of appropriating the Chauhan name, which is linked to a historic Rajput royal lineage, for what they termed communal or electoral motives. The organization emphasized that Rajput history should not be exploited for political messaging, arguing that the community already faces inadequate representation in mainstream media without having its identity used to incite controversy.
The statement concluded with a call for filmmakers and political leaders to approach historical topics with greater responsibility, rather than using them to create division.
As of now, neither Devgn, director Neeraj Yadav, nor the production companies involved have addressed the criticism.