As the cinematic calendar of 2025 kicks off, one film that has already captured the imagination of cinephiles is Chhaava. The trailer of the film has been released and gathering a lot of attention from the audience already. At the center of this ambitious project is Vicky Kaushal, portraying the larger-than-life figure of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
During an interaction with the media during the trailer launch event of the film, Vicky shared how deeply personal and professionally enriching the experience of playing Sambhaji Maharaj has been. Speaking about his preparation, he revealed the meticulous process he went through with director Laxman Utekar while prepping for the film. Vicky shared, “When we started preparing for Chhaava, I used to meet Laxman sir every day. We had sessions discussing the history, the research, and the character’s look. These were intense conversations to delve deeper into understanding Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. I would come up with questions, and sir would answer them.”
The actor described a pivotal moment in his journey to embody the warrior king. “After a point, when we had completed all the research, I asked sir how to play him. What would be the essence of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj? He said to me, ‘Vicky, mujhe Sher chahiye! I want him to come across like a lion—he is the Lion when he walks, when he fights, when he roars, and even when he dances! He is a Sher aur mujhe Sher chahiye (He is a lion and I want a lion)!’”
This directive, Vicky explained, became the focal point of his performance, “He made me understand that I needed to channel the essence of a lion into every cell of my body to portray this character. And I really hope that when people go to the theatre to watch the film, they feel the same.”
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Beyond Vicky’s transformation, Chhaava also brings to life a compelling chapter of the Maratha history. With Laxman Utekar’s nuanced direction and a stellar supporting cast, the film is poised to pay a heartfelt homage to a legendary ruler and warrior. Rashmika Mandanna co-stars with Vicky in the film playing his wife on screen. The addition of seasoned actors like Akshaye Khanna and Ashutosh Rana is expected to bring gravitas to the film.
Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, known for blending scale with substance, adds another feather to its cap with Chhaava. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan, the historical epic is slated for a grand theatrical release on February 14. With an ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, and Diana Penty, the film is likely to be a visual spectacle.
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