Inspired by the Bollywood film Chhaava, which portrays the life of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a group of villagers in Burhanpur rushed to the historic Asirgarh Fort, believing that Mughal-era gold coins were buried there.
The film, which highlights the Marathas’ struggle against the Mughal empire, reignited local legends suggesting that Emperor Aurangzeb’s forces had hidden treasures at the fort after clashes with the Marathas. The Asirgarh Fort, a strategically significant stronghold in history, has long been associated with myths of buried riches.
Following the movie’s release, hundreds of villagers gathered at the fort around 7 PM, armed with shovels, metal detectors, and torches, determined to uncover the supposed treasure. Their efforts continued late into the night, with the excavation lasting until 3 AM, reports the Times of India.
The largescale digging soon drew police intervention, as authorities warned residents against unauthorized excavation. Its videos quickly went viral on social media, drawing a mix of amusement and criticism from netizens.
One user questioned how a film could trigger such a frenzy.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion about the impact of historical films on public perception, with some calling for greater responsibility in storytelling. Despite the villagers’ efforts, no treasure has been found at Asirgarh Fort, leaving the legend unverified.