Chhaava, one of the most hyped Bollywood films in 2024, has been involved in an unexpected controversy. The film’s trailer was released a few days ago, in which actor Viky Kaushal was shown performing Lezim, a traditional Maratha dance form. This made many people from Maharashtra angry, and the Maratha Organization conducted many protests at the Lal Mahal in order to remove such scenes from the film.
Chhaava faces the Maratha Heat
Even Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis commented that history should be shown correctly in movies, even if it involves cinematic liberty or creativity. As Chhava came under fire because of the outrage from Maharashtra people and politicians, the production house Maddock Films and director Laxman Utekar deleted the sequence featuring Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj performing Lezim, a traditional Maratha dance. The makers have also scheduled a special screening on January 29 for historians and experts to review the film.
Chaava comes under fire. Director Laxman Utekar stated that he took some suggestions from MNS Chief Raj Thackeray and decided to delete the dance sequences from the film to avoid any further hatred. “I have taken some suggestions and guidance from him. I have decided to delete those scenes where we have shown Sambhaji Maharaj playing Lezim dance,” said the director. While the controversy attracted a lot of heat, the Chief Minister himself had his views on the topic.