Highlights

  • Lezim scene of Sambhaji Maharaj removed from Chhaava movie
  • Raj Thackeray suggested historical corrections
  • Film highlights Sambhaji Maharaj's contributions

Latest news

Small-budget sex worker romp 'Anora' triumphs at Oscars

Small-budget sex worker romp 'Anora' triumphs at Oscars

PM Modi celebrates India's role in wildlife protection

PM Modi celebrates India's role in wildlife protection

Oscars 2025: Winners in key categories

Oscars 2025: Winners in key categories

Vivo V50 Review: Zeiss Cameras & Big Battery

Vivo V50 Review: Zeiss Cameras & Big Battery

Bloodbath on D-Street: Sensex, Nifty tank nearly 2 pc on global rout after Trump's tariff threats

Bloodbath on D-Street: Sensex, Nifty tank nearly 2 pc on global rout after Trump's tariff threats

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 28 February 2025

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 28 February 2025

Snow, rain throw life out of gear in north India; 41 trapped in avalanche in Uttarakhand

Snow, rain throw life out of gear in north India; 41 trapped in avalanche in Uttarakhand

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 28, 2025

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 28, 2025

Controversial dance sequence cut from Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhaava'

Filmmaker Laxman Utekar has decided to remove the controversial "lezim" dance scene from his upcoming film Chhaava, based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, after facing objections from politicians and history enthusiasts.

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Controversial dance sequence cut from Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhaava'

      Filmmaker Laxman Utekar announced on Monday that the "lezim" dance scene from his upcoming movie Chhaava, based on the life of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, will be removed following objections raised by politicians and history enthusiasts.

      The decision came after Utekar met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at his residence in Mumbai to discuss the issue.

      The trailer of the film, released earlier this week, included a sequence where actors Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, portraying Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Yesubai, are seen dancing with the "lezim," a traditional musical instrument tied to Maharashtra's cultural heritage.

      Speaking to reporters, Utekar stated, "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. It was not our intention to hurt anyone's sentiments."

      The scene drew sharp criticism on social media, with some politicians accusing the filmmakers of disrespecting the historical figure.

      Utekar explained, "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 honour and showcase the greatness of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to the world."

      He further emphasized the meticulous research behind the film, saying, "This film is a result of four years of research by our team. The aim is to educate the world about the contributions of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj as a great warrior and king. If any part of the film tarnishes this vision, we have no hesitation in addressing it."

      Maharashtra Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant, who had earlier called for the removal of the controversial scenes, welcomed the director's decision, expressing hope that this resolution would settle the matter.

      Chhaava is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 14.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Up Next

      Controversial dance sequence cut from Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhaava'

      Controversial dance sequence cut from Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhaava'

      Oscars 2025: Winners in key categories

      Oscars 2025: Winners in key categories

      'Chhaava' enters third week, nears Rs 400 crore at box office

      'Chhaava' enters third week, nears Rs 400 crore at box office

      Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in Santa Fe home

      Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in Santa Fe home

      Prajakta Koli ties the knot with Vrishank Khanal in an intimate ceremony

      Prajakta Koli ties the knot with Vrishank Khanal in an intimate ceremony

      Preity Zinta refutes loan waiver allegations tied to BJP

      Preity Zinta refutes loan waiver allegations tied to BJP

      ADVERTISEMENT

      editorji-whatsApp

      More videos

      Saira Banu hospitalized after medical emergency

      Saira Banu hospitalized after medical emergency

      Rajkummar Rao cast as Sourav Ganguly in upcoming biopic

      Rajkummar Rao cast as Sourav Ganguly in upcoming biopic

      Supreme Court examines FIR against YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani

      Supreme Court examines FIR against YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani

      Mohanlal confirms Drishyam 3 with director Jeethu Joseph

      Mohanlal confirms Drishyam 3 with director Jeethu Joseph

      Kriti Sanon debunks marriage rumors amidst busy film shoot

      Kriti Sanon debunks marriage rumors amidst busy film shoot

      Vicky and Rashmika's 'Chhaava' triumphs at box office

      Vicky and Rashmika's 'Chhaava' triumphs at box office

      Chhaava salaries revealed: Vicky Kaushal earns 5x more than Akshaye Khanna?

      Chhaava salaries revealed: Vicky Kaushal earns 5x more than Akshaye Khanna?

      R Madhavan opens up about feeling financially insecure

      R Madhavan opens up about feeling financially insecure

      ‘India’s Got Latent’ faces backlash as FIRs filed against Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina & others

      ‘India’s Got Latent’ faces backlash as FIRs filed against Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina & others

      Deepika Padukone reflects on school days, thanks PM Modi for Pariksha Pe Charcha invite

      Deepika Padukone reflects on school days, thanks PM Modi for Pariksha Pe Charcha invite

      Editorji Technologies Pvt. Ltd. © 2022 All Rights Reserved.