The upcoming historical film Chhaava has landed in the middle of a heated controversy. The movie, which stars Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai, has drawn criticism for a dance sequence shown in its trailer.
The scene in question features the lead actors dancing with the lezim, a traditional Maharashtrian musical instrument. While some appreciated the cinematic depiction of cultural heritage, others argued that the portrayal of such an iconic historical figure in a dance sequence undermines the dignity of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has voiced his concerns. Speaking about the issue, he said, “The filmmakers must consult historians to ensure the movie remains historically accurate. They showed me the trailer, and while it looks promising, I’ve requested to watch the full film before its release. It’s important to maintain authenticity, especially with a figure as significant as Sambhaji Maharaj.”
This sentiment echoes among many Maratha organizations and history enthusiasts. A group of protesters recently gathered at the historic Lal Mahal in Pune, raising objections to the dance sequence. One of the protesters remarked, “The coronation of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is a moment of historical pride. To show him dancing immediately after feels inappropriate. The filmmakers need to address these concerns before the release.”
The makers of Chhaava, including director Laxman Utekar, have yet to respond to the demands for a historian’s review. While the trailer, released earlier this week, has generated significant buzz for its action-packed visuals and grandeur, the backlash has shifted the conversation to the movie’s depiction of historical events.
Fans of the lead actors, Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, have defended the film on social media, arguing that creative liberties are often necessary in storytelling. However, critics believe that when it comes to historical dramas, accuracy should take precedence over creativity.
Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati added, “While the lezim holds cultural importance, it’s worth discussing if this artistic choice aligns with the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj. Filmmakers must consider whether such depictions are appropriate or might mislead audiences about historical events.”
The protests have also taken a political turn, with some groups warning the makers to refrain from releasing the movie in Maharashtra unless their concerns are addressed. “We won’t let Chhaava hit the theatres here if the filmmakers ignore our demands. The portrayal of our history matters deeply,” one protester declared.
Despite the controversy, the excitement around Chhaava hasn’t waned entirely. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the film brings the story of the Maratha warrior-king to life. The film promises to explore Sambhaji Maharaj’s journey as a ruler who fought valiantly against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
With its release scheduled for February 14, the makers now face a challenging task. Balancing creative expression with historical sensitivity could be key to resolving the ongoing dispute. Whether or not the filmmakers take these suggestions into account remains to be seen.
As the release date approaches, all eyes are on Chhaava. Will it successfully capture the spirit of Sambhaji Maharaj’s life, or will the controversy overshadow the story it aims to tell? Only time will tell.