The debate centres on a dialogue featured in the teaser, released on June 25, in which Ajay Devgn’s character says, “Pathanon se keh do, Chauhan aa gaya hai” (Tell the Pathans, Chauhan has arrived).

The line has drawn mixed reactions online. While some viewers praised the teaser and its dramatic presentation, others questioned the use of historical and community identities in a manner they believe could deepen social divisions.

Among the strongest responses came from Kshatriya Parishad, which issued a public statement urging the makers of the film not to use Rajput identities or surnames in ways that could inflame caste or communal sentiments.

The organisation said historical legacies should not be turned into tools for political or ideological mobilisation. According to the statement, the surname “Chauhan” represents a significant Rajput lineage and should not be linked to contemporary communal narratives.

The group further argued that Indian history is far more complex than simple religious binaries and warned against presenting medieval political conflicts through a modern communal lens.

In its statement, Kshatriya Parishad cited several historical examples where Rajput and Pathan leaders fought alongside one another rather than as religious adversaries. These included Mahmud Lodi’s association with Maharana Sanga during the Battle of Khanwa, Hakim Khan Sur’s role in Maharana Pratap’s forces during the Battle of Haldighati, and other alliances involving Rajput rulers and Afghan leaders.

According to the organisation, such examples demonstrate that many medieval alliances were shaped by political interests, military strategy and regional loyalties rather than religious identities.

The controversy has also expanded beyond the dialogue itself.

Some critics have raised concerns over the film’s depiction of conflict in Kashmir and references to crowd-control measures. The teaser reportedly describes pellet guns as causing limited damage, a portrayal that has been challenged by activists and public figures.

Actor Swara Bhasker was among those who criticised the depiction. Sharing reports related to victims of pellet gun injuries in Kashmir, she argued that pellet guns have caused serious and long-lasting harm and should not be portrayed as causing minimal damage. She also questioned the broader narrative presented in the teaser.

The discussion has since gained momentum across social media platforms, where supporters and critics of the film continue to debate issues of historical representation, creative freedom and political messaging in cinema.

So far, neither Ajay Devgn nor the film’s producers have publicly responded to the objections raised by Kshatriya Parishad. The makers have also not issued any clarification regarding the controversial dialogue or the concerns surrounding the teaser’s portrayal of events.

The controversy emerges at a time when historical and period films in India frequently face scrutiny from community groups, historians and political organisations over questions of accuracy and representation.

With the teaser continuing to attract attention online, the debate around Chauhan is likely to remain in focus in the run-up to the film’s release. Whether the filmmakers address the concerns raised by critics remains to be seen.