Bhubaneswar: Shatak, a film chronicling the 100-year journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), explores the organisation’s origins and evolution since its founding in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Directed by Aashish Mall and subtitled Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Ke 100 Varsh, the film adopts a historical, documentary-style narrative to chart the RSS’s growth into one of the world’s largest volunteer-based organisations.
The film highlights the RSS’s emphasis on character-building, social service, disaster relief, and its grassroots network of shakhas across the country. It also touches upon some of the most turbulent chapters in the organisation’s history, including the bans imposed after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, the period of the 1975 Emergency, and the political and social fallout following the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition.
Supporters of Shatak have described the film as a long-overdue attempt to present what they see as an “untold” narrative of the RSS, positioning it as a myth-buster that documents its social contributions. Critics, however, have labelled the project as ideological propaganda, accusing it of selectively interpreting history and showing alleged disrespect towards Mahatma Gandhi.
Set for release on February 19, Shatak arrives amid an increasingly politicised cinematic landscape, placing it under scrutiny as yet another Bollywood release navigating the intersection of cinema, history, and contemporary political discourse.
-OdishaAge
