Sat Jan 25 17:51:59 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Minister Demands Expert Review of Vicky Kaushal’s “Chhaava” Before Release
**Mumbai, January 25, 2025** – Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant has called for a pre-release expert review of the upcoming film “Chhaava,” starring Vicky Kaushal, to address concerns about its portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The film, based on the life of the Maratha warrior king, has sparked controversy following the release of its trailer.
Mr. Samant, in a post on X, praised the initiative of making a Hindi film highlighting Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy but expressed concerns about “objectionable elements.” He demanded the filmmakers remove any controversial content before the film’s February 14th release, warning that anything tarnishing the king’s legacy would be unacceptable. The minister’s statement follows similar demands from Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who also called for a review by historians to ensure historical accuracy.
The primary point of contention appears to be a scene in the trailer depicting Mr. Kaushal (as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj) and Rashmika Mandanna (as Maharani Yesubai) dancing with the lezim, a traditional Maharashtrian instrument. The minister’s demand for a review leaves the film’s release date uncertain, pending the outcome of the expert assessment.
First Piper 