Laxman Utekar, the director of Chhaava, confirmed on Monday that a controversial dance sequence involving the Maratha warrior king Sambhaji Maharaj and his wife, Maharani Yesubai, will be removed from the film following discussions with MNS chief Raj Thackeray. The scene, which depicted Sambhaji Maharaj performing a traditional Lezim dance, was initially intended as a part of a light-hearted and culturally rich portrayal of the Maratha king's character, but it drew objections from certain political and historical circles. Utekar took full responsibility for the changes, acknowledging that it was a matter of sensitivity and respect for the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj, which is far greater than any depiction in the film. He confirmed that the controversial dance sequence, which featured Vicky Kaushal (in the role of Sambhaji Maharaj) and Rashmika Mandanna, will be entirely deleted from the film before its release.
The decision came after Utekar met with Raj Thackeray, who is known for his keen interest in Marathi culture and history. Thackeray's insights and suggestions were highly valued by the director, especially considering his vast understanding of the region's history and the Maratha empire. After their meeting, Utekar expressed that Thackeray's words helped guide the decision to remove the dance sequence. While acknowledging that Lezim dance is a part of Maratha cultural heritage, Utekar stressed that the film should not do anything that would detract from the dignity of Sambhaji Maharaj's legacy. "Sambhaji Maharaj is much larger than any Lezim dance. His courage and leadership should always be the focus," Utekar remarked in his statement.
Chhaava is based on the book written by author Shivaji Sawant, also titled Chhaava, which depicts the life and reign of Sambhaji Maharaj. The film aims to showcase the king's valour, his unwavering leadership, and the historical significance of his reign as the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. Utekar shared that the portrayal of Sambhaji as a 20-year-old in the film is part of an effort to explore his youth, his early victories, and the fierce spirit that defined his reign. One of the notable aspects of the film is its emphasis on Sambhaji Maharaj's involvement in cultural and traditional practices, including his participation in the Holi festival, where he was depicted performing a symbolic act of leadership, removing a coconut from the holy fire. Utekar had originally envisioned the inclusion of the Lezim dance as a representation of the young warrior king engaging with his cultural roots. However, after careful consideration and following the feedback from Thackeray, Utekar decided to eliminate the scene in order to maintain the utmost respect for the legacy of the revered Maratha king.
The film has faced significant scrutiny not only from political leaders but also from historians and cultural experts in Maharashtra, who have voiced concerns over the accuracy and authenticity of the portrayal of historical events. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was one of the first to raise his concerns, emphasizing the importance of accurate historical representation, especially regarding a figure as significant as Sambhaji Maharaj. "It is crucial that the history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is presented correctly. Distortion of history should not be allowed," Fadnavis told the media. He further added that while creativity in filmmaking is important, it should always be balanced with sensitivity to the historical and cultural context of such important figures.
In addition to Fadnavis, Rajya Sabha MP Sambhjiraje Chhatrapati, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, also expressed his concerns about the portrayal of the Maratha king in the film. He offered to assist the filmmakers by connecting them with historians who could help ensure the film’s historical authenticity. "It is important that this significant story is presented correctly to the audience," he said. Sambhjiraje Chhatrapati also proposed that he be allowed to view the film before its official release to help address any inaccuracies. Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant also voiced his objections on social media, stating that while the making of films about historical figures like Sambhaji Maharaj is crucial for spreading awareness about the Maratha legacy, no effort should be spared to avoid any depiction that could harm the honour of the king. "Anything that would harm the honor of Maharaj will not be tolerated," Samant remarked in a post.
In response to these concerns, Utekar has confirmed that the film will undergo the necessary changes, ensuring that the portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj is both respectful and historically accurate. The director also mentioned that they have planned a special premiere of the film on January 29, where experts, historians, and people well-versed in Maratha history will be invited to watch the film. Their feedback will be invaluable in fine-tuning the final version of the film before its public release. This will help further assure audiences that the filmmakers have taken great care in ensuring that the portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj is faithful to historical facts and does not distort the significance of his reign.
Despite the controversy, Utekar confirmed that Chhaava will be released on its scheduled date of February 14. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Diana Penty, and Divya Dutta, alongside Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna. As one of the most anticipated films based on the life of a Maratha king, Chhaava will certainly be under close scrutiny by audiences, critics, and history enthusiasts alike. The film’s success or failure will likely have a significant impact on how future films approach the sensitive portrayal of historical figures and events.
