When 'Chhaava' Makers Responded to Accusations of Distorting Historical Facts in Period Dramas
Chhaava, Vicky Kaushal's most recent film, has received a lot of praise since it debuted in theatres. Previously, director Laman Utekar discussed the controversial nature of period dramas in an exclusive interview with India Today Digital.
Ankush Pandey
Highlights
- Laxman Utekar once talked about the difficulties in creating historical dramas.
- He defended overusing artistic license.
- Chhaava, starring Rashmika Mandanna and Vicky Kaushal, is presently showing in theaters.
The Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is the subject of Vicky Kaushal's most recent film, Chhaava, a historical epic that has resonated with viewers. However, there are unique difficulties involved in making a historical drama. Filmmakers need to strike a careful balance when making period dramas like this, according to director Laxman Utekar.
In a previous interview, Utekar responded to the controversy and charges that filmmakers are accused of falsifying information while exercising their artistic license. While acknowledging that sometimes artistic license is required to improve narrative, the director emphasised that filmmakers have an obligation to maintain historical accuracy.
"The audience always gets it right. When you play a warrior and a queen, and you play a romantic song, people might wonder how these characters, who fought for their country all their lives, could have time for romance. At that point, fingers begin to point. However, if you can genuinely defend the warrior's life, the audience will value it. He informed us that this was precisely the goal we had set for Chhaava.
Laxman also discussed the difficulties he believes arise when creating a period drama. "It becomes very simple if you have in-depth knowledge of the time period and the characters as a director, if your pre-production is sound, and if your research is comprehensive. Without that understanding, it can be extremely challenging', said Zara Bachke, the director of Mimi and other films.
Chhaava caused controversy in January 2025 when a number of ministers from Maharashtra objected to the dance sequence. Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, told reporters in Mumbai that the movie shouldn't alter the renowned Maratha king's legacy.
"It is important to accurately depict the history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. History should not be distorted. Everyone loves and respects Sambhaji Maharaj very much. This dignity and respect must not be violated. We think that in addition to creativity, there should be sensitivity in filmmaking," he stated.
The director of the movie, Laxman Utekar, chose to cut the scene after receiving criticism. The song, which has since been removed, was intended to promote Marathi culture and give viewers a better understanding of it, he said in a statement.
On February 14, Chhaava was released in theatres. Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna play important roles in the film, which honours the bravery of the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
