Prithviraj preview: All you need to know about Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chhillar's film

While there have been various portrayals of Hindu warriors, Prithviraj, starring Akshay Kumar happens to still be one of the most-awaited films in recent times. Inspired by Prithviraj Chauhan, the movie is adapted from the biopic named Prithviraj Raso. While revealing their slate of films, YRF also announced that Prithviraj is scheduled for January 21, 2022 release. The movie also stars Manushi Chhillar, Sonu Sood and Sanjay Dutt in the lead roles.

What's Prithviraj about?

Prithviraj is the story of the Hindu warrior, Prithviraj Chauhan. Inspired by Prithviraj Raso, the movie will phase from Prithviraj's early life, wedding to Sanyukta and later, his battle with Muhammad of Ghor. It was after his long battle that the warrior was taken prisoner and later executed.

Who plays what in Prithviraj?

While Sanjay Dutt's role is still kept under the wraps, Akshay Kumar plays the Rajput warrior, Prithviraj Chauhan in YRF's Prithviraj. Manushi Chhillar plays the role of his wife Sanyukta, who is Sanyogita in the film. Manav Vij, best remembered for his deadly role in Andhadhun, plays the lead antagonist Muhammad of Ghor in the movie. Ashutosh Rana, on the other, will be seen in the role of Jayachandra, who is Sanyogita's father and Prithviraj's rival. Sonu Sood plays Chand Bardai, the poet who created Prithviraj Raso and Palvi Jaiswal plays Bhairavi. Lalit Tiwari plays the ruler of the Tomara dynasty, Anandgopal Tomar and Tareeq Ahmed Khan plays Nisrut Khan in the film.

Manushi Chhillar's first Bollywood project as a lead actor.

Renowned model and Miss World 2017, Manushi Chillar makes her debut in Hindi films with Prithviraj. Back when Manushi was asked if she dreams of becoming an actress, Miss World had denied it, stating that it is 'not on her mind'. She has now signed a three-film deal with YRF, Prithviraj being her first.

What is the controversy about the film Prithviraj?

Karni Sena has objected to the film Prithviraj. They objected to the title of the film as they say it does not pay enough respect to the Hindu warrior. Their spokesperson also warned that they could resort to violence if their demands aren't met. "If they don't listen to our advice they will have to face the consequences. What happened to Sanjay Leela Bhansali during Padmaavat, the makers of this film will have to be prepared for it too," Times of India quoted him saying.

In addition, Akhil Bhartiya Kshatriya Mahasabha burned the effigies of Akshay Kumar in Chandigarh to prove their point.

Himmat Singh Gurjar, who is one of the top leaders of the clan, also objected to the film. He told Outlook during an interview that the movie is bound to have distortions since it is based on the biopic. Himmat shared that Prithviraj could not be a Rajput since the Rajputs did not exist before the 13th Century AD. He claimed to have taken the matter to YRF as well.

The makers and actors are tight-lipped about the controversy so far. Ever since the movie has been on the backburner owing to the COVID-19, no protests were held.

Has Sanjay Dutt finished shooting for Prithviraj?

Director Chandraprakash Dwivedi had revealed that Sanjay Dutt wrapped up the shooting of the film in five days. He shot during the pandemic in a bubble. Although he plays a pivotal role, it is likely to be a cameo appearance.

Where was Prithviraj filmed?

The movie was previously shot in Jaipur. However, the shooting had to be stopped in March 2020, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. When it went on floors again during the monsoon season, the sets were shifted to Dahisar. After the outdoor sets were destroyed, the rest of the movie was shot indoors. Seven months later, the film was completed at YRF Studios.

When is the film Prithviraj releasing?

Prithviraj was previously going to be a Diwali release, on November 13, 2020. However, it had to be postponed to January 21, 2022, making it a Republic Day release.