Star Cast and Performances

Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj – Known for his ability to immerse into his characters, Kaushal’s portrayal of Sambhaji promises to be one of his career’s most memorable performances. He gained 25 kg for the role and underwent months of training in sword fighting and horse riding to do justice to the fierce warrior.

Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai – Rashmika brings to life the character of Yesubai, the queen who stood by her husband through thick and thin. The costume design for her character, including authentic Paithani sarees, adds authenticity to her portrayal.

Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb – Akshaye Khanna’s transformation into the Mughal Emperor is bound to leave an impact. His strong screen presence will make him a formidable foe against Sambhaji in the film.

Other notable performances include Ashutosh Rana as Sarsenapati Hambirao Mohite, Divya Dutta as Soyarabai, and Santosh Juvekar as Rayaji Malge, among others.

Production and Behind-the-Scenes

The making of Chhaava was an intensive process that began with a year-long research into the 17th-century Maratha era. Director Laxman Utekar and his team visited historical locations such as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Pune, and Nashik to gather material that would help recreate the era. The team also worked closely with costume designer Sheetal Sharma to source authentic sarees and jewelry for the cast, ensuring the outfits were true to the period.

The film’s soundtrack is composed by the legendary A. R. Rahman, with lyrics by Irshad Kamil. The music plays an essential role in enhancing the film’s emotional depth, including the recently released romantic track “Jaane Tu,” sung by Arijit Singh.

Controversies and Changes

As the film neared completion, a few controversies arose. One of the scenes from the trailer, where Sambhaji and his wife are seen performing the traditional lezim dance, faced backlash from certain political figures in Maharashtra. In response, director Laxman Utekar decided to remove the sequence from the film to avoid further complications.