The scene from ‘Chhava’ movie that insulted Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj removed : Shiv Sena leader and Minister Uday Samant

Effect of opposition by people committed to history

MNS chief Raj Thackeray and ‘Chhawa’ director Laxman Utekar

Mumbai – A film titled ‘Chhava’ with Vicky Kaushal in the lead role will be released in February 2025. There is a ‘lezim’ dance picturised in this film on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Rani Yesubai. Some people raised objections to this song and demanded action against film director Laxman Utekar as well as the film producer, for insulting Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. It was alleged that wrong history was spread using freedom of making a film. The State Government also objected to this song. The controversial part has, therefore, been removed from the film after the opposition. The above information was shared by the producer and director of this film as reported by the Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant.

Uday Samant appreciated making of a film in Hindi on the life history of ‘Dharma-Rakshak’, and ‘Swarajya- Rakshak’ Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and efforts to make the world know about the great historical king like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Many people have, however, raised objections to a few scenes in this film. We, therefore, feel that the film should be first shown to the experts and knowledgeable people, before its release.

MNS President Raj Thackeray also advises to remove the ‘lezim’ dance sequence

  • Director Laxman Utekar meets MNS President Raj Thackeray
  • Felt Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj would have played ‘lezim’, hence picturized a dance sequence : Film Director

‘Lezim’ is our traditional sport; therefore, we felt Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj could have played ‘lezim’. After victory over Burhanpur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj returned to Raigad. He was only twenty years old at that time. A twenty-year-old king might have played ‘lezim’ as we thought and I didn’t find anything wrong with it; therefore, I picturised this song. The scene will, however, be removed if it is going to hurt the sentiments of the followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji and Sambhaji Maharaj. ‘Lezim’ is not greater than the film or Maharaj. We shall definitely remove that dance sequence from the film. We decided to seek advice from Raj Thackeray since he has read many books on history and has knowledge. He too advised us to remove the ‘lezim’ dance, informed director Laxman Utekar.