Chhaava director Laxman Utekar deletes dance scenes from Vicky Kaushal-starrer amid controversy: ‘Raj Thackeray gave guidance’

Chhaava in Marathi means ‘lion’s cub’. The film is based on Chhaava, a book written by late novelist Shivaji Sawant. In a statement, the director said, “I have met Raj Thackeray. He is an avid reader and studious person. So I have taken some suggestions and guidance from him. And I can say, his words are very helpful for me. And after meeting him, I have decided to delete those scenes where we have shown Sambhaji Maharaj was playing Lezim dance.”

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“Lezim dance is not a big deal. Sambhaji Maharaj is very much bigger than that Lezim dance. So we are going to remove those scenes from film,” Laxman said.

He further explained and said, “When Sambhaji Maharaj launched an attack in Barhanpur, he was just 20 years old. We have taken the rights of Shivaji Sawant’s book titled Chhava where he wrote about Sambhaji Maharaj taking part in the Holi festival. He would remove a coconut from the holy fire. We thought of Maharaj as a 20-year-old. It was obvious that he had played the Lezim dance. And why not? Lezim is a part of Maratha culture. It is just our traditional dance. But, if anyone is hurt by those dance moves or Lezim dance, we will remove them. Lezim dance is not bigger than Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.”

The director also took the concerns of many Maharashtra ministers into account, demanding that experts should watch the film prior to its release. Hence, he said, “We have organised a special premiere show on 29th of January. Some historians and people who study history will be there. We will take their guidance.”

Earlier, Maharashtra minister Uday Samant’s had written on X (formerly Twitter), “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 honour of the Maharaj will not be tolerated.”

Meanwhile, Laxman Utekar confirmed in his statement that the movie would hit the theatres as scheduled on February 14. Chhaava also stars Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Diana Penty and Divya Dutta, among others.