The film was a dramatised account of the real-life story of Tanaji Malusare, a general in the army of Chhatrapati Shivaji. His name was misspelt "Tanhaji" in the film's title on the recommendation of a numerologist. The film was dubbed and released in Marathi as well. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), known for its stand of opposing the dubbing of Hindi films in Marathi, made an exception for this film and supported its Marathi-dubbed version.[1][2]
Ajay Devgn and Kajol, married in real life, played husband and wife in the film as well. It was their first film together in a decade. They had appeared together in "Toonpur Ka Superhero" (2010) prior to this.[3]
This was director Om Raut's first Hindi film. He had directed the Marathi film "Lokmanya: Ek Yugpurush" (2015) before this.
The film made news when NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad raised objections against its trailer on social media. Awhad issued a threat to director Om Raut that he would get involved unless Raut made certain changes to the film. He questioned a line delivered by Kajol about Shivaji Maharaj's sword safeguarding women's 'ghoonghat' or veil and a Brahmin's 'janeu' or sacred thread. A Maratha organisation called the Sambhaji Brigade objected to the use of the Om symbol on Shivaji's flag. The makers of the film accepted this as a mistake and digitally removed the symbol from the flags.[4][5][6]
Saif Ali Khan, who played the villain in this film, triggered a controversy with his comments on its depiction of history. Khan said that he didn't believe the film was historically accurate but had agreed to do it since his role in it was "delicious". The actor said in an interview, "For some reason, I didn't take a stand. Maybe next time I would.". Social media users expressed outrage over Saif's comment that there was no "concept of India till the British gave it one".[7][8]
