Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant has issued a warning to the makers of the historical drama Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, insisting that the film be screened for “experts” before its release. Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava is based on the life and reign of the Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and is slated for a February 14 release.
While appreciating the effort to honor the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Samant emphasized that any content deemed offensive to the warrior king’s honor would not be tolerated. He noted that several individuals had flagged “objectionable scenes” in the movie, prompting the demand for an expert review before public release.
“Our position is that this film should not be released without first showing it to experts and knowledgeable people. Anything that will harm the honor of the Maharaj will not be tolerated,” Samant wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The minister further warned that the release of Chhaava could be blocked if the filmmakers fail to address these concerns. He called on the producers and directors to act responsibly and remove any potentially objectionable content, adding, “A further decision will be taken after watching the film; otherwise, this film will not be allowed to be released.”
Samant’s remarks reflect the sensitive nature of historical portrayals in cinema, particularly those based on revered figures like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and the importance of ensuring such films align with cultural and historical sensitivities.
