Vicky Kaushal calls Chhaava ‘toughest role’; reveals Laxman Utekar refused to shoot until he perfected his look: ‘I refuse to cheat’

Vicky Kaushal revealed that Chhaava director Laxman Utekar was so particular about his look in the film that he refused to begin shooting until Vicky achieved the look of a real warrior.

By: Entertainment Desk

Chennai | February 9, 2025 02:34 PM IST

2 min read

Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava will release on February 14.

Vicky Kaushal is currently busy with the promotions of his upcoming film Chhaava. The actor plays the fearless Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who took over the throne after his father’s passing. During a recent interaction, Vicky revealed that director Laxman Utekar was so particular about his look in the film that he refused to begin shooting until Vicky achieved the appearance of a real warrior.

Speaking on Radio Nasha, Vicky shared, “Chhaava has been the toughest role of my life physically and it is because it wasn’t easy to gain 25 kg of muscles. It was very difficult for me. It took me 7 months to gain that. Laxman sir was very clear that till the time you don’t get that look, learn horse riding, complete sword training and acting fighting, I won’t start the film. He told me, ‘I refuse to cheat. I won’t use VFX.'”

He added, “I had to grow my hair, beard and build the body and that took time before we even began the shooting of the film. If you see 2000 people on set, there were actually 2000 people on set. We had 2000 junior artists, 500 of the best stuntmen of the country. It has been shot in a very raw and gritty way.”

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In Chhaava, Akshaye Khanna plays the role of Aurangzeb. Speaking about Akshaye’s menacing transformation for the role, Vicky said, “I was shown photos of his look and I was totally surprised and I couldn’t believe. When I actually saw him in the look on the set, with his demeanour and all, it was incredible. I was surprised. He has almost made the character alive. His evilness will translate so perfectly that people will be surprised.”

Rashmika Mandanna plays Maharani Yesubai, Sambhaji Maharaj’s wife, in Chhaava, set to release in theatres on February 14.

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