UP declares Tanhaji tax free, as Tanaji’s home state Maharashtra is still clueless

Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior has now minted close to 75 crores merely four days after its release. It has completely overshadowed Chhapaak and Rajnikanth’s Darbaar. Tanhaji has been a talking point all over since its trailer was released. Directed by Om Raut, ‘Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior’ is a biopic on the trusted general of Maratha braveheart and Emperor of the Maratha Empire- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who changed the face of Indian history as he reclaimed the Kondhana fort after a fierce battle with the Mughals, led by the guardian of the fort Uday Bhan Rathod, whose role is played by Saif Ali Khan in the film.

In an impressive development, Tanhaji has been declared tax-free by the UP government. The Twitter handle of UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s Office tweeted that the decision was taken after the actor and co-producer of the film, Ajay, requested the CM for the same. Also, making the film tax free will let people take inspiration from the heroic saga of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s courageous commander Tanhaji Malusare.

While the UP government immediately declared Tanhaji tax free, what is stopping Maharashtra to do the same is something which we cannot wrap our heads around. A film which perhaps best epitomizes Maratha pride and valour, incidentally, is being charged taxes in the state of Maharashtra. If you think it couldn’t get any more ironic, the fact is that the Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena government is refusing to make the film tax-free in their state. Uddhav Thackeray has had a clear departure from the ideology of Hindutva, which the Shiv Sena for so long claimed to live by. It now seems that under the leadership of Uddhav, Sena is also abandoning its long-held ‘Maratha Pride’ card.

This incident also further exposes how duplicitous the Shiv Sena is in matters relating to Hindutva. Although it claimed to be the sole custodian of the ideology, the BJP has on all counts outwitted the Maharashtrian party. It is still not very late for Uddhav Thackeray to declare Tanhaji tax free in his state. If he does not, it will be a big indicator of how the Shiv Sena is attempting to put on the pretentious mask of secularism and working to not be perceived as a saffron Hindu party.

Meanwhile, Ajay Devgn took to Twitter to thank Yogi Adityanath for the courtesy extended to Tanhaji by his government.

It is expected that more states will follow suit in the matter, especially Maharashtra. If not, there wouldn’t be a bigger shame for the Shiv Sena, as it would prove that the erstwhile saffron party is lying prostrate in front of its new political masters.