‘Objectionable’ Scenes & ‘Lezim’ Dance Sequence To Be Removed From ‘Chhaava’ Before Its Release

Mumbai: Amid controversies surrounding the period film ‘Chhaava’, director Laxman Utekar met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray.

Speaking to paparazzi, Utekar assured that all objectionable scenes and the controversial ‘Lezim’ dance sequence will be removed from the film before its release.

The director further clarified that they don’t intend to hurt the sentiments of any community.

Maharashtra minister Uday Samant had expressed his disappointment over a ‘Lezim’ dance sequence featuring Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal.

“If they raise objections, we will not let it be released,” the minister had threatened.

“The movie shows Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj dancing. The director should cut this part. This movie should be shown to historians and scholars. If they raise objections, we will not let it be released,” he added.

Besides Samant, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and former Rajya Sabha MP, told PTI that he wanted to watch the full movie before its release.

“I also offered to connect them with historians to address inaccuracies to ensure this significant story is presented authentically to audiences worldwide,” he said.

‘Chhaava’ revolves around the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Besides Vicky, the film stars Rashmika Mandanna as his wife Yesubai, Akshaye Khanna as Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, and Ashutosh Rana and Divya Dutta in key roles.

The film is scheduled to hit theatres on February 14.