Mon Jan 27 11:19:29 UTC 2025: ## “Chhaava” Filmmakers Bow to Pressure, Remove Lezim Dance Scene

**Mumbai, [Date]** – The upcoming biographical film “Chhaava,” starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, will be released without a previously featured Lezim dance scene. The decision follows objections from Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant and MNS leader Raj Thackeray, who voiced concerns about the historical accuracy of depicting the Maratha warrior performing the traditional folk dance.

Director Laxman Utekar confirmed the removal after a meeting with Raj Thackeray, stating that the intention was not to offend anyone and that Thackeray’s historical expertise was invaluable in guiding revisions. Minister Samant, who had previously called for the scene’s removal, welcomed the decision. He had initially threatened to prevent the film’s release if the scene remained.

The Lezim dance, traditionally a martial arts exercise for Maratha warriors, was featured in the film’s trailer. The film, also starring Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna, is still scheduled for release on February 14th. While the filmmakers have addressed this specific concern, the film’s overall historical accuracy may remain a point of discussion, especially given Minister Samant’s call for the movie to be reviewed by historians and scholars.

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