Under the Commercial Tax Department’s directive, exhibitors must deduct the tax component from ticket prices, passing savings directly to patrons. The state will reimburse theaters after they settle the dues, maintaining fairness while keeping costs down. This isn’t just a fiscal tweak—it’s a strategic push to amplify the film’s reach amid its portrayal of RSS’s transformative history.

Industry watchers predict a surge in attendance, as affordable tickets draw families and youth to theaters. The film’s narrative, blending archival footage, personal stories, and key milestones, resonates deeply in a culturally conscious state like Chhattisgarh. Government sources highlight the decision’s alignment with promoting educational content that inspires national pride.

With multiplexes gearing up for adjusted pricing, ‘Shatak’ is poised for a stronger box-office run. This exemption reflects growing state support for films that educate on India’s organizational heritage, potentially setting a precedent for future releases. As debates on cultural narratives heat up, Chhattisgarh positions itself at the forefront of accessible cinematic patriotism.

‘National service is our collective responsibility,’ declared Kapoor. ‘I produced ‘Shatak’ to showcase the real RSS story, one rooted in dedication and sacrifice.’ Born in 1925, the organization has now completed a glorious century, and this film celebrates that milestone by highlighting its profound societal contributions.

Audiences are witnessing untold tales of RSS’s involvement in the independence movement, its unwavering principles during the 1975 Emergency, and countless humanitarian efforts. The narrative masterfully weaves RSS ideology with real-world impacts, challenging misconceptions that have clouded public perception for decades.

Under Ashish Mall’s direction and with Ashish Tiwari as co-producer, the film employs immersive storytelling to connect with today’s youth. Kapoor stressed the urgency of preserving this legacy: ‘In an era of misinformation, ‘Shatak’ clarifies the RSS’s role in nation-building.’

Since its February 19 premiere presented by ADA 360 Degree LLP, the film has sparked enthusiastic discussions. Box office buzz indicates strong viewer engagement, with many calling it essential viewing for understanding India’s cultural and social evolution.

‘Veer Kapoor’s ‘Shatak’ isn’t just entertainment—it’s an educational odyssey,’ noted early reviewers. As the RSS centenary unfolds, this film emerges as a powerful medium to honor a century of unwavering patriotism.

Drawing from personal experience as a swayamsevak, Gadkari revealed how misconceptions have clouded public understanding of the RSS’s core values of dedication, service, and patriotism. The organization, he argued, has been misunderstood despite its tangible impacts, from tribal welfare programs to educational advancements and community-driven cooperatives.

‘To grasp RSS ideology, one must examine its deeds,’ Gadkari asserted. He detailed the selfless contributions of lakhs of volunteers in fostering social awareness and strengthening societal fabrics. Over the decades, the RSS has played a pivotal role in nurturing national pride among the youth, fueling India’s developmental aspirations—a personal motivation for Gadkari himself.

The minister also tackled broader societal issues, praising the RSS’s commitment to marginalized communities including Dalits and the economically disadvantaged. Redefining Hindutva, he described it as a holistic lifestyle embracing India’s cultural heritage, open to all faiths. This philosophy, he said, embodies true Indianness and stems directly from RSS teachings.

As ‘Shatak’ prepares to hit theaters across India on February 20, it stands poised to unravel myths, illuminate social services, and narrate the RSS’s enduring saga of resilience and service. Gadkari’s endorsement underscores its relevance in today’s discourse, inviting viewers to engage with history’s untold chapters for a more informed perspective.

Far from a mere hagiography, the preview tackles entrenched myths head-on, weaving in pivotal moments like the independence movement contributions and survival against political suppressions. It’s a story of persistence, portrayed with cinematic flair that demands attention.

In a star-studded event at RSS’s Delhi office, the anthem ‘Bhagwa Hai Apni Pehchaan’ premiered under Mohan Bhagwat’s auspices. Sukhwinder Singh’s rendition infuses it with raw emotion, mirroring the film’s patriotic core.

Helmer Ashish Mall calls it a revelation. ‘Research opened my eyes to untold truths about the RSS,’ he reveals. ‘We’re committed to factual storytelling that challenges preconceptions.’

Vir Kapoor, the driving force behind production, highlights meticulous sourcing. ‘This isn’t fiction; it’s history in motion,’ he asserts. ‘The RSS’s unbroken continuity through turmoil is its hallmark, captured perfectly in our tagline: Never halting, tiring, or bending.’

With Anil D. Agarwal’s vision and Ashish Tiwari’s backing, plus ADA 360 Degree LLP’s presentation, ‘Shatak’ is slated for a grand release on February 19, 2026. Expect it to spark nationwide dialogues on heritage and resilience.

The RSS, born in the turbulent 1920s under Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, has shaped India’s socio-political landscape. ‘Shatak’ weaves this narrative through dramatic reenactments and testimonials. Pal’s challenge? Composing lyrics that echo the sangh’s motto of selfless sewa while captivating a pan-India audience.

‘Every line had to reflect truth and inspire action,’ he said. Research spanned RSS’s role in freedom struggles, relief work during calamities, and its influence on politics via affiliates like BJP. Pal wrestled with balancing reverence and universality—avoiding propaganda while celebrating resilience.

Technical aspects intensified the ordeal. The song accompanies montage sequences of shakha drills, tribal outreach, and global expansions. Pal iterated dozens of versions, testing them at RSS camps for genuine feedback. Integrating folk elements from various regions added layers of authenticity.

With ‘Shatak’ poised to premiere amid nationwide centenary events, Pal views his contribution as a personal milestone. The track, featuring chorus by swayamsevaks, symbolizes RSS’s grassroots ethos. This fusion of music and history not only entertains but educates, reinforcing the organization’s enduring relevance in modern India.

Founded by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar in 1925 amid turbulent times, the RSS grew from modest shakhas to a vast network influencing India’s socio-political fabric. ‘Shatak’ captures this transformation, highlighting seismic shifts—from Partition’s chaos to contemporary challenges—while showcasing the organization’s grassroots impact.

Producer Vikram Malhotra emphasized the film’s universal appeal: ‘It’s not just RSS history; it’s India’s story of resilience.’ The screenplay, penned by acclaimed writer Abhishek Singh, draws from declassified documents, eyewitness testimonies, and rare photographs for authenticity.

Technical wizardry elevates ‘Shatak,’ with VFX recreating landmark moments like the 1975 Emergency and RSS’s rehabilitation efforts during natural calamities. A ensemble cast features rising stars alongside veterans, portraying icons from Hedgewar to current leadership.

Set against RSS’s centennial celebrations, the film coincides with nationwide events honoring its volunteers’ sacrifices. Extensive location scouting has identified 50+ sites, including the original Nagpur headquarters, for immersive shoots starting early next year.

Critics anticipate ‘Shatak’ sparking discourse on ideology and service in cinema. With multilingual releases planned, it positions itself as a pan-India phenomenon, celebrating an organization’s quiet yet profound contributions to the nation’s ethos.

Initially stating that ‘only Hindus are allowed’ and that no specific caste or religion is permitted, Bhagwat quickly elaborated. He explained that while the Sangh’s core ideology is Hindu, individuals from other denominations can participate as long as they set aside their distinct religious identities. He asserted that the organization’s doors have never been exclusionary, with people from various backgrounds attending ‘Shakhas’ (RSS gatherings) without their affiliations being counted or questioned.

Bhagwat also addressed the Sangh’s historical and legal standing. He questioned the expectation of registration with the British government and highlighted that the organization’s multiple bans, each later overturned by courts, affirmed its legal existence. He maintained that the RSS operates within the Indian Constitution and does not require registration, drawing parallels to the un-registered status of Hinduism itself.

The RSS leader outlined the organization’s ultimate goal: to unite and strengthen Hindu society to foster a prosperous India capable of sharing its ‘dharma knowledge’ globally. He reiterated the Sangh’s unwavering respect for the Indian national flag, the ‘Tiranga Dhwaj,’ asserting its primacy over any other symbol.

For Bhagwat, the essence of RSS unity lies not in formal membership or religious labels, but in a shared dedication to the nation and the recognition of a common familial bond among all who consider India their motherland.

The RSS is approaching its centenary. Today, the RSS boasts over 75,000 branches across the country. The organization claims to have over 10 million trained members. Furthermore, the Sangh Parivar includes more than 80 affiliated organizations. The RSS’s influence extends to approximately 40 countries, highlighting its global reach. Currently, over 56,000 daily branches are conducted, along with around 14,000 weekly and 9,000 monthly branches.

Let’s delve into the story of the RSS’s establishment and expansion.

### From the Khilafat Movement to the Foundation of the Sangh

The year was 1919, and World War I had ended. The once vast and powerful Ottoman Empire of Turkey was crumbling. The British had removed the Caliph of Turkey, whom Muslims worldwide considered their religious leader. This news spread rapidly, igniting anger among Muslims globally. In India, which was itself struggling under colonial rule, Muslims took to the streets.

This sparked the Khilafat movement, led by the Ali brothers, Shaukat Ali and Mohammad Ali. Their goal was to restore the Caliph to the throne of Turkey. The movement gained momentum, drawing in millions.

Meanwhile, the situation in India was already volatile. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was fresh in people’s memories. Martial law was in effect in Punjab, and the Rowlatt Act had fueled public outrage. At the same time, Mahatma Gandhi, returning from South Africa, was preparing a large-scale mass movement. He believed the Khilafat movement could serve as a bridge for Hindu-Muslim unity. Gandhi stated,
‘Just as the cow is revered by Hindus, the Caliph is revered by Muslims.’

### Hedgewar Disagreed with Mahatma Gandhi’s Views

Gandhi’s view did not resonate with everyone. Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a young Congressman from Nagpur, disagreed with Gandhi’s opinion. He believed that putting religion above the nation was dangerous. Despite his reservations, he joined the movement at Gandhi’s urging and was even jailed for his fiery speeches.

In 1921, when the movement reached Malabar, Kerala, the situation deteriorated. Conflict erupted between Muslim farmers and Hindu landlords, escalating into violent clashes. Over two thousand people were killed. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar wrote in his book, ‘Thoughts on Pakistan,’ that forced conversions and the destruction of temples occurred during this violence. Annie Besant also questioned Gandhi and wrote an article in a newspaper stating that if Mahatma Gandhi had visited Malabar, he would have seen the consequences of his decisions.

Hedgewar was deeply affected by these events. He felt the need for a separate organization for Hindus. He also joined the Hindu Mahasabha but soon became disillusioned. He felt that the organization was mired in political compromises and would not truly protect Hindu interests.

### The Sangh’s Foundation on Vijayadashami

Then came the historic day – September 27, 1925. On the special occasion of Vijayadashami, Hedgewar invited five companions to his home. The meeting included Ganesh Savarkar, the brother of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Dr. B.S. Munje, L.V. Paranjpe, and B.B. Tholkar, along with Hedgewar. At the meeting, he declared that they were starting the Sangh. This marked the beginning of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In the early days, members met only twice a week. They exercised on Sundays and discussed national issues on Thursdays. These meetings were called shakhas. These shakhas became the identity of the Sangh. On April 17, 1926, the organization was formally named the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. That same year, on Ram Navami, the volunteers appeared in uniform for the first time: khaki shirts and pants, caps, and boots. This display of discipline and uniformity quickly became a hallmark of the Sangh.

Soon after, regular shakhas began from Mohite’s Wada ground in Nagpur. This was the point from which the Sangh gradually expanded and made its mark on Indian society and politics.

### Hedgewar’s Vision Expanded the RSS’s Reach

Dr. Hedgewar had a unique way of connecting with young people. He would advise students passing their matriculation exams not to be limited to Nagpur but to study in other cities. There, they were encouraged to start a shakha in their college and involve their classmates in the Sangh. This is how the Sangh’s message began to reach new cities and colleges. During the holidays, when these students returned to Nagpur, Hedgewar would specifically ask them how their shakhas were progressing, how many people were joining, and what difficulties they were facing. This gave him an understanding of how the shakha activities were unfolding outside.

The first RSS branch outside of Maharashtra was established in Varanasi in 1930. This shakha later became very special because it was through this that the second Sarsanghchalak, Guruji (Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar), joined the Sangh. Furthermore, Hedgewar himself would visit the homes of those boys who did not attend the regular shakhas. He would converse with them openly, meet their families. Many families, influenced by his simplicity and words, began sending their children to the shakhas themselves. Gradually, this influence grew so much that new volunteers joined the Sangh every month. Thus, the shakhas were not limited to Nagpur but began to spread across the country.

### The Deaths of Three Sarsanghchalaks While in Office

From 1925 to the present, there have been six Sarsanghchalaks in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Dr. Hedgewar, who founded the RSS, held his responsibilities from 1925 to 1940. After Dr. Hedgewar’s death in 1940, Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar was given this responsibility. People called him Guruji. Golwalkar held the position from 1940 to 1973. After his death in 1973, Madhukar Dattatreya Deoras became the Sarsanghchalak. Most people knew him as Balasaheb Deoras. In 1993, Professor Rajendra Singh, also known as Rajju Bhaiya, took over the position. However, in 2000, Rajju Bhaiya, due to health reasons, handed over the post of Sarsanghchalak to Kripahalli Sitaramayya Sudarshan while he was still in office. In 2009, Sudarshan also handed over his responsibilities to Dr. Mohanrao Madhukarrao Bhagwat (Mohan Bhagwat), making him the new head of the Sangh due to health concerns.