New Delhi:

The makers of ‘Chhaava’ – an upcoming autobiography on the life of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji – today confirmed that they would remove the ‘Lezim’ dance scene from the film after objections from politicians like Maharashtra minister Uday Samant and MNS leader Raj Thackeray.

Starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji, the film’s trailer had a scene where the actor performs the Lezim, a traditional folk dance from Maharashtra. Chhatrapati Sambhaji was the eldest son of the founder of the Maratha empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Chhatrapati Sambhaji was anointed as the king in 1681.

Filmmaker Laxman Utekar announced the decision to drop the dance after a meeting with Raj Thackeray.

“The meeting with Raj Thackeray was to seek his advice. His knowledge of history, especially regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is extensive. He provided valuable suggestions for changes, which we will implement. As for the scene featuring Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj playing ‘Lezim’, we will delete it,” Mr Utekar said.

“It was not our intention to hurt anyone’s sentiments,” the director added.

Lezim got its name from the musical instruments – a wooden stick with jingling cymbals – that are used in the dance form. Traditionally, it was performed as a sport by Maratha warriors to build their muscles and fitness drills in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra minister Uday Samant had also objected to the scene and demanded its removal from the film. “The movie shows Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj dancing. The director should cut this part. This movie should be shown to historians and scholars. If they raise objections, we will not let it be released,” Mr Samant earlier said.

Today, while speaking to ANI, Mr Samant welcomed the director’s decision to remove the scene and said, “The director met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray today and after the meeting, he decided to remove the Lezim(dance) playing scene from the film.”

The movie, starring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna, will be released on February 14.

Ahmednagar:

Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant said that the upcoming period drama ‘Chhaava’ should be shown to “historians and scholars” and if they raise objections then “we will not let it be released.”

Produced under the banner of Maddock Films, ‘Chhaava’ is a period drama that portrays the legendary story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal. The film is set to depict the courageous Maratha ruler’s legendary reign, beginning with his coronation in 1681.

The movie is directed by Laxman Utekar.

While talking to the media, he said, “The movie shows Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj dancing. The director should cut this part. This movie should be shown to historians and scholars. If they raise objections, we will not let it be released.”

Earlier taking to his X, Mr Samant praised the effort to bring Sambhaji Maharaj’s story to the big screen but insisted that utmost care should be taken to ensure historical accuracy and respect for the Maratha king. Mr Samant also asked the producers and directors of ‘Chhaava’ to act responsibly, warning that the film’s release could be “blocked” if any offensive content remains.

“It is a matter of joy that a Hindi film based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the protector of religion and protector of freedom, is being made. Such efforts are necessary to make the world understand the history of Chhatrapati. However, many have expressed their opinions that there are some objectionable scenes in this film. Our position is that this film should not be released without first showing it to experts and knowledgeable people. Anything that will harm the honor of the Maharaj will not be tolerated,” Mr Samant said on X.

“Our position is that the producers and directors of the film should take immediate action in this regard and remove anything objectionable. A further decision will be taken after watching the film; otherwise, this film will not be allowed to be released!” he added.

The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna.

‘Chhaava’ is touted to be a “stirring tale of the courageous warrior whose coronation on this day in 1681 marked the beginning of a legendary reign.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)