The much-anticipated historical film Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, has found itself in the midst of a controversy following the release of its trailer. The Maharashtra government has raised concerns, alleging that the makers tampered with history under the guise of creative liberty. In response to the backlash, director Laxman Utekar has confirmed that the Lezim dance sequence featured in the trailer will be removed from the film.

 

The controversy stems from criticism by several Maharashtra ministers who argued that the Lezim dance sequence does not align with the revered personality of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant voiced his concerns, stating that the depiction could hurt public sentiments. On Saturday, Samant called for an expert review of the film, emphasizing the importance of accurately portraying historical figures.

“It is a matter of great happiness that a Hindi film based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the protector of religion and Swaraj, has been made. Such efforts are necessary to explain the history of Chhatrapati to the world. However, many have raised objections to certain scenes in the film. We believe the film should not be released without being reviewed by experts and connoisseurs. Anything that tarnishes the honour of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj will not be tolerated,” Samant said.

In response to the criticism, Laxman Utekar announced that the contentious Lezim dance sequence featuring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna would be cut from the film. “Nothing is greater than the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The Lezim dance sequence is a brief moment in the film, but after meeting Raj Thackeray, who provided valuable insights and recommendations, I have decided to delete the scenes where Sambhaji Maharaj is shown participating in the dance,” Utekar said.

The controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical portrayals of iconic figures. While the film aims to celebrate the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the backlash underscores the fine balance filmmakers must strike between artistic expression and historical accuracy.

Chhaava is one of the most anticipated releases of the year, but with these recent developments, it remains to be seen how the final version will resonate with audiences and historians alike.