Vicky Kaushal’s Film ‘Chhava’ Removes Controversial Dance Scene After Backlash

Vicky Kaushal’s upcoming movie Chhava, set to hit theaters in February, has recently faced significant controversy surrounding one of its scenes. The issue stems from a song in the movie, where Sambhaji Maharaj and his wife, Maharani Yesubai, are shown dancing to a traditional lezim dance. After the strong reaction from certain groups, director Laxman Utekar has decided to remove the scene from the film. On January 27, Utekar confirmed that the scenes depicting Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Yesubai performing the lezim dance would no longer be a part of the movie. The decision came after he met Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), who raised concerns about how the Maratha king was being portrayed.
Director Explains the Change – In an official statement, director Laxman Utekar addressed the situation, emphasizing the importance of honoring Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy. “I met Raj Thackeray for some guidance,” Utekar explained. “He is deeply knowledgeable about history, and his feedback was incredibly helpful. After our conversation, I decided to remove the dance scenes. Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy means much more than any dance performance.”
Why Did the Controversy Erupt? – The controversy arose because some people felt that depicting the brave and respected Maratha ruler doing a dance, even a traditional one, undermined his heroic legacy. In response, Laxman Utekar clarified that the scene was inspired by Shivaji Sawant’s novel Chhava, which the movie is based on. Utekar shared, “Sambhaji Maharaj was just 20 years old when he attacked Burhanpur. The book talks about his participation in Holi celebrations, which led us to imagine him possibly dancing the lezim. This dance is part of Maratha tradition, and it seemed fitting to include it. But, if this depiction has upset anyone, we’re removing it. The legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj is far bigger than a dance.”
No Impact on the Film’s Release
Despite the backlash, Chhava will still be released in theaters on February 14 as planned. Director Utekar reassured fans that the removal of the dance scene wouldn’t alter the core of the film. The movie stars Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj and features Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai. Other notable actors in the film include Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Diana Penty, and Divya Dutta. Before its official release, the film will have a special premiere show on January 29. This event will be attended by historians and experts, who will offer additional feedback and insights on how the movie handles historical events.
About ‘Chhava’
Chhava is a historical drama based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the brave Maratha ruler. The title, which translates to “cub of a lion” in Marathi, symbolizes the strength and courage of Sambhaji Maharaj. The film takes its inspiration from Shivaji Sawant’s famous novel Chhava, with the goal of bringing this legendary figure’s story to the screen.