Actor Vicky Kaushal, whose forthcoming film Chhaava has generated controversy due to a lezim dance sequence featuring his character, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, stated on Thursday that the now-deleted scene was an initiative by the filmmakers to promote the culture of Maharashtra on a global scale. (Also Read: Chhaava Director Laxman Utekar Removes Vicky Kaushal’s Dance Number Following Raj Thackeray’s Objection: “Not a Significant Issue”)
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava portrays Kaushal in the role of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire.
Last week, Utekar announced the removal of the lezim dance sequence, a traditional folk dance from Maharashtra that incorporates a small musical instrument of the same name, after the footage in the film’s trailer faced objections from certain politicians and history enthusiasts.
Regarding the deleted dance sequence, Vicky Kaushal, during a media interaction in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, emphasized that the intent of the cast and crew of Chhaava was clear from the beginning.
“Not a single day passed without us commencing work on the film with the Shivgarjana (slogans celebrating the valor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj). The lezim segment constituted merely 20-30 seconds of the film. It was not only a narrative element but also an endeavor to present our culture to the world,” he remarked.
“Sambhaji Maharaj was a king of the people, and if someone requested him to participate in a lezim dance, he would certainly oblige. However, if his followers perceive it as inappropriate, it is not integral to the film’s narrative, and thus we have chosen to remove it,” the actor conveyed to reporters.
On the subject of portraying Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Vicky further elaborated that the upcoming film is based on the Marathi novel Chaava by author Shivaji Sawant. The actor, who has previously portrayed real-life figures in films such as Sardar Udham and Sam Bahadur, noted that preparation for Chhaava spanned nearly a year. “The preparation of costumes and jewelry also took almost a year. The costumes were sourced locally rather than rented,” he stated.
“It required me seven months to prepare for this role, which included growing long hair and a beard, studying the language and culture, developing my physique, and undergoing training for action sequences. Laxman sir also insisted that there would be no shortcuts regarding horse riding, and I had to learn it,” he added.
On Thursday, the actor also visited the renowned Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, the twelfth Shiva Jyotirlinga, located near the Ellora Caves.
The upcoming film also features Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai and Akshaye Khanna as Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This marks Kaushal’s second collaboration with Utekar, following the 2023 film Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. Produced by Maddock Films, Chhaava is scheduled for release on February 14.
