‘Chhaava’ Film In Trouble Maharashtra Minister Objects Over Vicky Kaushal’s Dance

Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant has voiced strong objections to a dance scene featuring Vicky Kaushal in the upcoming historical drama ‘Chhaava’. The minister specifically criticized the portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj dancing, arguing that such a depiction is historically inaccurate and potentially offensive.

During a media interaction on Sunday, Samant insisted that the scene should be excised from the film. “The movie shows Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj dancing. The director should cut this part,” he stated, adding that the film must be reviewed by historians and scholars. He went further to threaten to block the film’s release if the experts find the content objectionable.

This objection was echoed on Samant’s X (formerly Twitter) account where he lauded the film’s intent to showcase the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj but cautioned against any scenes that might dishonor the historical figure. “Anything that will harm the honor of the Maharaj will not be tolerated,” he posted, urging the filmmakers to act promptly to remove any offensive content.

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The controversy extends beyond just Minister Samant’s concerns. Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and former Rajya Sabha MP, also called for a thorough review of the film before its public release, suggesting collaboration with historians to ensure authenticity.

‘Chhaava’ aims to narrate the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, portrayed by Vicky Kaushal, alongside actors like Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, and Divya Dutta. The film, set for release on February 14, 2025, now faces a potential delay or alteration due to these objections, highlighting the sensitivity around depicting historical figures in Indian cinema.