“Chhaava” Director Agrees to Remove Controversial Dance Scenes Following Public Outcry

Director Laxman Uttekar has agreed to remove controversial dance scenes from his upcoming film “Chhaava” after facing backlash from political leaders and descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Uttekar met with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray to address concerns about the film’s portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Following the meeting, Uttekar assured the media that all objectionable scenes, including those depicting Vicky Kaushal (who plays Sambhaji Maharaj) performing the traditional Lezim dance, will be deleted before the film’s release.

The director emphasized that the intention was never to hurt public sentiment and that they respect the concerns raised. This decision comes after Maharashtra minister Uday Samant threatened to block the film’s release if the controversial scenes were not removed. Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, also expressed his desire to review the film for historical accuracy.

“Chhaava” is a historical drama that chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a revered figure in Maharashtra’s history. The film features a star-studded cast, including Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna.

Despite the controversy, “Chhaava” is still scheduled to release in theaters on February 14th, 2025. The filmmakers are hopeful that the removal of the contentious scenes will address the concerns raised and allow audiences to appreciate the film’s portrayal of this significant historical figure.