In recent news, the historical film Chhaava has faced some criticism from notable figures regarding its portrayal of Maratha warrior history. The movie, featuring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, was promoted with great excitement, but now a former Rajya Sabha member has raised concerns about the accuracy of the story being told.
Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant has voiced his support for ensuring the film remains respectful to its subject. He has called for a special screening of the film before its release, suggesting that experts should evaluate its content to avoid any controversial scenes. He expressed his view on social media, emphasizing that the film about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, an important figure in history and a symbol of freedom, should be respectful and true to its subject. Samant stated, "Anything that could harm the honor of the Maharaj will not be tolerated."
Additionally, former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, who is a direct descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, has also expressed his concerns. He specifically pointed out a scene involving a traditional ‘lezim’ dance in the trailer, questioning its appropriateness. He applauded the film’s aim to tell the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji’s brave reign but urged the filmmakers to conduct proper research to ensure historical accuracy. He stated that he is willing to assist them by connecting them with historians to help present the story truthfully.
Despite his eagerness to support the project, Sambhajiraje noted that the filmmakers have not yet reached out to historians for guidance. He stressed the importance of balancing creative expression with a respectful representation of history, encouraging discussions among experts to validate such portrayals.
Chhaava centers around the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji, focusing on his fight to uphold Swarajya, a cause initially championed by his father, Shivaji Raje. The film features Rashmika Mandanna as his wife, Yesubai, while Akshaye Khanna takes on the role of Aurangzeb. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films, Chhaava is set to hit theaters on February 14.
