His Story of Itihaas is a courageous film that questions the sanitized and distorted narratives taught in Indian school textbooks—from Ashoka’s remorse to Tipu Sultan’s heroism. It exposes a deep-rooted ecosystem that has shaped generations to feel ashamed of their heritage
“Was Akbar truly great?”
“Was Tipu Sultan a freedom fighter?”
“Is Aurangzeb really a ‘living saint’?”
“Did Vasco da Gama ‘discover’ India?”
“Did Islamic invaders really rule India for 1000 years?”
“Was Sati an obligatory ritual for Indian widows?”
We all know the answers we read to these questions in our school textbooks. But were those answers really true? Or is the truth something else – systematically hidden from us for generations? Were entire generations deliberately misled? Were our children made to feel ashamed of their own nation and culture? ‘His Story of Itihaas’ is a film that attempts to seek answers to these very questions.
Before we go further, let’s talk about the film. The story revolves around a physics teacher, played by the acclaimed Marathi actor Subodh Bhave. Bhave has been active in the Marathi industry for years and has won several awards. With a strong background in theatre, his acting needs no justification. Alongside him, seasoned actor Yogendra Tiku plays a history professor – an artist we’ve all seen in many films. We strongly recommend you watch this film in theatres. That’s why this review doesn’t reveal the plot. It’s a low-budget film made with immense struggle and effort – it’s our duty to respect that effort. The struggle is real – nearly 60 actors rejected the script simply because of the film’s subject. Directed and produced by Manpreet Singh Dhami under the banner of ‘Panchkarma Films’, the film is a rare gem in today’s cinematic landscape.
‘His Story of Itihaas’ Digs Deep into a Critical Crisis
The film is based on real incidents. If you’ve read Neeraj Atri’s book ‘Brainwashed Republic’, you’ll have a clear idea of what the film covers. Atri has long raised his voice against the distortions in our school textbooks. He questioned NCERT over several so-called historical facts taught to children, and the board could not provide a single piece of credible evidence in response. Atri went on to write an entire book on the subject. Through his YouTube channel Politically Incorrect, he continues to raise awareness.
The fact that films are now being made on topics once considered “untouchable” is a victory in itself. What began with The Kashmir Files in 2019 has now reached Chhava and His Story of Itihaas. Perhaps if we had been taught history truthfully, there would have been no need for films like The Kashmir Files or Chhava in the first place.
This film exposes the brainwashing industry that has long controlled our minds.
