Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's descendant has objected to Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava dance, leading to a controversy
Last Updated: 03.39 PM, Jan 25, 2025
Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava has gotten into trouble over a dance sequence which featured in the film’s trailer unveiled not too long ago. The movie, based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's son Sambhaji, is now under the scanner. This is because a few noted figures believe it might not be historically accurate. But what caused this and where does the controversy stand right now? Know all about it...
There is a dance sequence in Chhaava trailer. In this, Vicky Kaushal does a Bollywood-esque dance with the female lead, Rashmika Mandanna. Then, former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, who himself is a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, commented that the movie must be shown to historians to know if it is historically accurate.
The MP saw the film's trailer beforehand and has asked director Laxman Utekar to watch the movie beforehand. "I also offered to connect them with historians to address inaccuracies to ensure the story is presented authentically to audiences worldwide," he told PTI. He noted that the dance sequence uses the traditional musical instrument lezim and wishes to discuss its use in the film.
Prior to this, there were protests in Pune over the very dance sequence. The protesters warned that they wouldn't let Chhaava release in Maharashtra if the makers do not involve historians and get the movie thoroughly checked for inaccuracies, if any.
The makers are yet to respond to the Chhaava protests. Director Laxman Utekar is expected to share his side of the story - whether the film has been made with historians' consultation.
Will this lead to a full-blown battle? Can Chhaava release as expected in Maharashtra? Stay tuned to find out.
Also starring Akshaye Khanna in the role of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Chhaava is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 14. The OTT release and platform for the film remain undecided so far.