A controversy has erupted over the upcoming historical drama Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, with Maharashtra minister Uday Samant demanding the removal of a dance scene featuring the Maratha king. The period drama, which is set to depict the life of the Maratha ruler, has sparked debate following Samant’s objections to how it portrays the legendary figure.
Chhaava is directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films. The movie, which focuses on Sambhaji Maharaj’s reign, begins with his coronation in 1681. It aims to bring to life the story of this heroic figure, who fought fiercely for his kingdom and his people. However, according to Samant, one scene in the film goes too far—an unexpected portrayal of the Maratha king dancing.
Speaking to the media, Uday Samant expressed his dissatisfaction with the sequence. He strongly believes that such depictions are disrespectful to the king’s legacy. “The movie shows Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj dancing. The director should cut this part,” Samant remarked. “This movie should be shown to historians and scholars for review. If they raise objections, we will not let it be released.”
Samant has made it clear that he supports the film’s effort to tell the story of Sambhaji Maharaj but wants it to remain historically accurate and respectful to the Maratha ruler’s image. He emphasized that any objectionable content should be immediately addressed. “Our position is that the producers and directors of the film should take immediate action in this regard and remove anything objectionable,” he said. “If the filmmakers fail to act, the release of this movie will be blocked.”
This objection comes just days before the film is set to hit the big screen. While Samant initially acknowledged the importance of showcasing Sambhaji Maharaj’s life on film, he has grown increasingly concerned about the portrayal of certain aspects of the historical figure. The Maratha king is revered as a protector of religion and freedom, and Samant’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among some groups that any deviation from the historical truth could tarnish his image.
In a post on social media, Samant urged the filmmakers to respect the views of historians and scholars, emphasizing that “anything that will harm the honor of the Maharaj will not be tolerated.” This message signals that the film’s success could be at risk if it doesn’t meet the expectations of certain political and cultural groups in Maharashtra.
This controversy is not the first time that a film about historical figures has sparked debate over how they should be portrayed. The balance between artistic freedom and historical accuracy often comes into question when it comes to films about revered leaders and rulers. Chhaava is a prime example of how entertainment can intersect with politics and cultural sensitivities.
As the film’s release date approaches, it remains to be seen how the filmmakers will respond to these objections. Will they make changes to the film to appease critics, or will they defend their creative choices? Either way, the controversy surrounding Chhaava highlights the ongoing debate about how history should be depicted in cinema, especially when it involves figures as revered as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
In the coming days, it will be important to watch whether experts are consulted and if any changes are made to the film ahead of its release. If not, the movie may face further resistance, and its fate in Maharashtra could hang in the balance.
