Actor Vicky Kaushal, renowned for his performance in Uri: The Surgical Strike, expressed his enthusiasm about taking on another action-packed project. This time, he steps into the historical realm with Chhaava, a period drama directed by Laxman Utekar, where he portrays the iconic Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
At the trailer launch, Kaushal shared his satisfaction with his performance, stating that he gave the role his absolute best. “During the preparation phase, I felt something special was happening. I poured my heart and soul into this project. Looking back, I am confident that I have given everything I had to offer,” he said.
The actor also revealed his intense physical transformation for the role, gaining 25 kilograms to embody the historical figure. “After Uri, I was eagerly waiting for another action film. This project challenged me in every way. I learned horse riding and trained extensively in sword, stick, and spear fighting for over six months. Starting at 80 kg, I pushed myself to 105 kg for this role,” he explained.
This marks Kaushal’s second collaboration with Utekar after the 2023 family drama Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. Initially, Kaushal admitted feeling intimidated by the role of Sambhaji Maharaj, a character revered deeply in Indian history. However, Utekar’s unwavering faith in him helped overcome his fears. “Portraying such a legendary figure comes with immense responsibility. Understanding the history, culture, and values of that era has been a profound learning experience for me,” Kaushal added.
Rashmika Mandanna’s Special Journey
Rashmika Mandanna, who plays Maharani Yesubai, the wife of Sambhaji Maharaj, expressed her gratitude for being part of the film. Despite attending the event in a wheelchair due to a gym injury, Mandanna radiated excitement. “It’s an honor to portray Yesubai. As a girl from the South, this role is a privilege and the most special opportunity I could have ever asked for. I told Laxman sir that after this, I feel content enough to retire,” she said emotionally.
Mandanna revealed her initial disbelief upon being cast in such a significant role. “When Laxman sir offered me this role, I was stunned. I surrendered completely to his vision, trusting the team wholeheartedly. From language training to rehearsals, I dedicated myself fully to this character,” she shared.
Director’s Vision and Production Team
Director Laxman Utekar, known for films like Mimi and Luka Chuppi, expressed his gratitude to producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films for supporting his dream of bringing Sambhaji Maharaj’s story to life. “Sambhaji Maharaj was a legendary warrior who fought and won 127 battles. His sacrifices deserve global recognition, and this film is my humble attempt to honor his legacy,” Utekar said.
Producer Dinesh Vijan, known for hits like Stree and Hindi Medium, promised that Chhaava would do justice to the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj. “It’s been 20 years of hard work in the industry, and being able to make a film like this is a culmination of that journey,” he remarked.
Star-Studded Cast and Grand Release
Chhaava boasts a stellar cast, including Akshaye Khanna as Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, along with Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Neil Bhoopalam, Santosh Juvekar, and Pradeep Rawat in pivotal roles. Music maestro AR Rahman has composed the film’s score, adding another layer of grandeur.
The film, produced by Maddock Films, is set to hit theaters on February 14, promising to captivate audiences with its historical narrative and larger-than-life performances.
From Vicky Kaushal’s intense transformation to Rashmika Mandanna’s heartfelt dedication, Chhaava is shaping up to be a cinematic spectacle. With a talented team and a compelling story, the film aims to bring the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to a global audience. Mark your calendars for February 14 to witness this extraordinary tale unfold on the big screen!
