A scene from the trailer of the upcoming Bollywood film ‘Chhaava,’ which depicts the life of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has sparked controversy in Maharashtra. On January 27, 2025, the film's director, Laxman Utekar, announced his decision to remove a dance sequence after it faced backlash and objections from several Maharashtra ministers. Here’s a breakdown of what triggered the controversy and how it unfolded.
‘Chhava’ Controversy Explained
The highly anticipated period drama ‘Chhaava,’ based on the life of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has sparked controversy due to a dance sequence featuring lead actors Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna. The ruling Shiv Sena and other political leaders raised objections, citing concerns over historical accuracy. In response to the backlash, the film’s director, Laxman Utekar, announced the removal of the scene.
In an official statement, Utekar explained that he envisioned Sambhaji Maharaj as a 20-year-old warrior in the film, including a celebratory 'Lezim dance' sequence after a victorious battle. However, according to India Today, this depiction did not sit well with several politicians, leading to protests and calls for change.
On January 26, 2025, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the media in Mumbai, emphasising that the legacy of the Maratha king, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, must remain untarnished in the upcoming film ‘Chhaava.’ He expressed concerns over ‘distorted history’ and called for a balance between creativity and sensitivity in filmmaking.
"Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's history must be portrayed accurately. It is not acceptable to distort history. Everyone holds immense love and respect for Sambhaji Maharaj, and this honour should not be compromised. While creativity is important in filmmaking, it must be accompanied by sensitivity," Fadnavis stated, as per India Today.
The Chief Minister's statement came in the wake of objections raised by several ministers, including former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a direct descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Sambhajiraje suggested that the filmmakers consult historians to ensure accuracy and avoid any distortions in the portrayal of history.
The controversy erupted after the release of the trailer, which included a brief glimpse of Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, playing the roles of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Yesubai, respectively performing the ‘Lezim’ dance. This depiction drew criticism for allegedly misrepresenting historical facts.
‘Chhava’ Controversy Reactions
While some praised the filmmakers' decision to remove the controversial scene, others felt it was unnecessary.
One user wrote on Twitter, “Movies should never be your source of education; they’re meant for entertainment. Films are not reliable or authentic for learning history. Instead, read books, articles, research papers, and publications to gain accurate information. Don’t cite movie plots as factual references.”
Another user commented on Twitter, “They shouldn’t have directly made this as a biopic of Sambhaji Raje. Instead, they could’ve created a story inspired by his life and bravery. We don’t want to learn about our heroes or history through over-dramatised films made for profit. Learn history through books.”
The trailer sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with users sharing divided opinions and heated debates about the film’s representation of history.
They shouldn't have made it directly as Sambhaji Raje's biopic kinda movie. Instead they should have made a film inspired by his life and bravery.
— Bàlor (@Princedevit11) January 27, 2025
We don't want to know our heroes or history through such dramatized movies, made just to make money!
Learn history through Books.
Never watch a movie to be educated, just watch it for entertainment. As they are not the good or authentic source. Read different books, articles, surveys, papers, publications do research by yourself for citing information. Don't quote or cite on the basis of movies plot.
— Sarthak Mishra (@SarthakMishra10) January 27, 2025
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In addition to Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, ‘Chhaava’ boasts an impressive cast, with Akshaye Khanna portraying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The film also features Diana Penty, Ashutosh Rana, and Divya Dutta in pivotal roles. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under the banner of Maddock Films, the much-anticipated period drama is slated to hit theatres on February 14, 2025.
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