After receiving extensive hate from the viewers, director Laxman Utekar has now announced to snip out a few scenes that stood unacceptable. The director after holding a discussion with Raj Thackeray has come to this decision, as he talked to the media about the same. Starring Vicky Kaushal as the main lead, film Chhaava received a lot of criticism upon a dancing scene with ‘lezim’ – a musical masterpiece used in the traditional period. Because the character portrayed was of the renowned and highly honored Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, public was agitated to see the demeaning of his character, and said that these dance scenes were wrongly depicted by showing the Maharani dance alongside.
Now, as communicated with the media, Laxman Utekar said, “The meeting with Raj Thackeray was to seek his advice. His extensive knowledge of history, especially regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, provided us with valuable suggestions for changes that we will implement. As for the scene featuring Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj playing the ‘lezim,’ we will be removing it. It was not our intention to hurt anyone’s sentiments.”
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All About The Controversy Around Laxman Utekar Directorial Chhaava
The film’s trailer, released earlier this week, included a scene in which Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, who portray Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Yesubai, respectively, are shown dancing with the “lezim”, a traditional musical instrument associated with Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
The dance scene had sparked outrage, leading to social media backlash and criticism from politicians who claimed that it disrespected the historical figure. Even the 17th heir of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj expressed his disappointment for the scene and urged the film should be shown out to the historians. If they agree to what is being shown in the film, then it can be taken forward. Utekar made the announcement following a discussion with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray at his residence earlier that day.
Utekar concluded by stating, “We are removing the scene because it is not a significant part of the film. If people feel that the portrayal is inaccurate, we are willing to make this change. Our goal has always been to honor and showcase the greatness of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to the world.”
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