The film Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna, has faced some controversy regarding a dance sequence. The scene showed Vicky Kaushal’s character, Sambhaji Maharaj, performing a traditional Lezim dance with his wife, Maharani Yesubai, played by Rashmika Mandanna. This portrayal of the Maratha King did not sit well with some political leaders, especially Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant, who criticized the filmmakers for the scene.
Chhaava Removes Controversial Dance Scene
In response to the criticism, director Laxman Utekar met with Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and took his suggestions on the matter. Raj Thackeray is known for his strong views on Marathi culture and history, and Utekar took his advice seriously. After the meeting, Utekar confirmed that the controversial dance sequence would be deleted from the film. The director emphasized that Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy was much more significant than the Lezim dance, and he wanted to ensure that the film did not misrepresent the great leader in any way.
Utekar also mentioned that he had consulted Raj Thackeray because he valued his opinion and appreciated his guidance on the matter. Thackeray had also expressed his excitement for the film and praised its trailer, but he pointed out the issue with the dance sequence.
The Lezim dance is a traditional Maharashtrian dance that involves holding a small musical instrument with jingling cymbals. While Utekar initially believed that the dance sequence was not offensive and thought it could be a way of showing Sambhaji Maharaj as a leader who celebrated with his people, he understood the concerns after the meeting with Thackeray.
The movie Chhaava is a period drama set to release on February 14, 2025. It also stars actors like Ashutosh Rana, Diana Penty, and Divya Dutta in key roles. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijans’ Maddock Films and has been generating considerable buzz since its announcement.
This move by Utekar shows how filmmakers are sometimes willing to make changes to their work in response to public and political opinion, especially when it involves historical figures. The decision to remove the scene ensures that the film remains respectful to the Maratha legacy while still delivering an engaging story for audiences.
