Chhaava Controversy: Vicky Kaushal's Dance Sequence To Be Deleted; Director Says, 'It Is Not Bigger Than Sambhaji Maharaj'

Chhaava starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna is one of the most awaited films of the year. The trailer of Chhaava was released a few days ago, and while it has received a fantastic response, there were some people who got upset with the makers. So, in the trailer, there's a sequence where Vicky (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj) and Rashmika (Yesubai Bhonsale) are seen doing lezim dance. A lot of people on social media and even some political leaders were upset that why the makers are showing Sambhaji Maharaj dancing.

Well, before any protests take place against the film, the makers have decided to delete the dance sequence. According to India Today, Laxman Utekar, the director of Chhaava in a statement has confirmed that the dance sequence will be deleted.

The filmmaker's statement read, "I have met Raj Thackeray. He is an avid reader and studious person. So I have taken some suggestions and guidance from him. And I can say, his words are very helpful for me. And after meeting him, I have decided to delete those scenes where we have shown Sambhaji Maharaj was playing Lezim dance."

He further added, "Lezim dance is not a big deal. Sambhaji Maharaj is very much bigger than that Lezim dance. So we are going to remove those scenes from film."

Utekar further explained that why he decided to have the lezim dance sequence in the film. He stated that they took the rights of Shivaji Sawant's book titled Chhava in which it is written that Sambhaji Maharaj took part in Holi festival and he would take out coconut from the holy fire. So, they thought that Sambhaji Maharaj is 20 years old and he might have done the Lezim dance as it is a part of Maratha culture.

However, the filmmaker further stated, "But, if anyone is hurt by those dance moves or Lezim dance, we will remove them. Lezim dance is not bigger than Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj."

While talking to IANS, President of MNS Cinema Wing Ameya Khopkar on said, "The scene with the lezim dance was brought to the attention of Raj Sahab, who advised that the lezim scene should be cut. Following this suggestion, the lezim scene has been removed, and on the 14th, the film will be released worldwide..."

Period films always face issues. Before Chhaava, many period films like Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani, Maharaja, and others were embroiled in controversy.