Dance Sequence From ‘Chhaava’ Removed Following Maharashtra Minister’s Objections
Director Laxman Utekar has confirmed deleting scenes from his upcoming film ‘Chhaava’, starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna.
The much-anticipated period drama ‘Chhaava’, directed by Laxman Utekar and starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has found itself at the centre of a controversy. The controversy has now led to the removal of a pivotal dance sequence. The film, based on the life of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, recently faced objections from politicians and descendants of Shivaji Maharaj over concerns about historical accuracy. The debate stemmed from a scene where Vicky Kaushal’s character Sambhaji Maharaj performs a traditional Lezim dance with his wife, Maharani Yesubai.
While Lezim dance is a part of Maratha culture, many politicians questioned its appropriateness in portraying the great warrior-king. Objections were raised by the ruling Shiv Sena, descendants of Shivaji Maharaj, and Maharashtra ministers, calling for a re-evaluation of the film’s content.
Director Laxman Utekar responded swiftly to the backlash, meeting with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for guidance.
Following their discussion, Laxman Utekar decided to remove the dance sequence entirely. In a statement, the director said, “I have met Raj Thackeray. He is an avid reader and studious person. So I have taken some suggestions and guidance from him. And I can say, his words are very helpful for me. And after meeting him, I have decided to delete those scenes where we have shown Sambhaji Maharaj was playing Lezim dance.”
“Lezim dance is not a big deal. Sambhaji Maharaj is very much bigger than that Lezim dance. So we are going to remove those scenes from film,” the director added.
The film, inspired by the Marathi novel ‘Chhava’ by Shivaji Sawant, aims to showcase Sambhaji Maharaj’s valour and contribution to Maratha history. Laxman Utekar explained that the Lezim dance sequence was intended to reflect Sambhaji’s youthful spirit, as the king was only 20 years old when he launched an attack on Barhanpur.
He said, “When Sambhaji Maharaj launched an attack in Barhanpur, he was just 20 years old. We have taken the rights of Shivaji Sawant’s book titled Chhava where he wrote about Sambhaji Maharaj taking part in the Holi festival. He would remove a coconut from the holy fire. We thought of Maharaj as a 20-year-old. It was obvious that he had played the Lezim dance. And why not? Lezim is a part of Maratha culture. It is just our traditional dance. But, if anyone is hurt by those dance moves or Lezim dance, we will remove them. Lezim dance is not bigger than Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.”
To address these sensitivities, Laxman Utekar has arranged a special screening on January 29 for historians and scholars, seeking their feedback to ensure the film accurately represents the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj.
He said, “We have organised a special premiere show on 29th of January. Some historians and people who study history will be there. We will take their guidance.”
Earlier, Maharashtra minister Uday Samant’s had written on X (formerly Twitter), “It is a matter of joy that a Hindi film based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the protector of religion and protector of freedom, is being made.”
He added, “Such efforts are necessary to make the world understand the history of Chhatrapati. However, many have expressed their opinions that there are some objectionable scenes in this film. Our position is that this film should not be released without first showing it to experts and knowledgeable people. Anything that will harm the honour of the Maharaj will not be tolerated.”
Despite the controversy, the film remains on track for its scheduled release on February 14, 2025. Alongside Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, ‘Chhaava’ will also feature Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Diana Penty, and Divya Dutta.
