After facing backlash over a controversial dance sequence in Chhaava, director Laxman Utekar has decided to remove the ‘lezim’ scene from the film. This decision came after Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant threatened to block the film’s release, calling for a review of the sequence.
Laxman Utekar Promises To Delete ‘Lezim’ Scene From Chhaava
Utekar met with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray to discuss the issue. Following their meeting, the director confirmed the scene would be cut.
Utekar told IANS, “I met Raj Saheb to discuss the concerns raised by people regarding the lezim part in the trailer of Chhaava. Raj Saheb explained to me that Sambhaji Raje is important, the film is important, and lezim is not important. I assured him that the lezim portion would be removed from the film.”
The sequence in question shows Vicky Kaushal, playing Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and Rashmika Mandanna, portraying Maharani Yesubai, dancing with the ‘lezim’, a traditional Marathi musical instrument.
Raj Thackeray Defends The Controversial Scene
The scene appeared in the film’s trailer, which was released earlier this week. While the depiction upset some, Utekar explained that he had no issues with the scene’s concept.
“It is a Marathi traditional dance form. When we visualized and conceptualized it, we assumed that Maharaj would have played with it. He was a king of the people. May have done 4 steps with the people from his kingdom. I didn’t see anything wrong with it. But since people are hurt, we are removing it,” Utekar said.
Thackeray, who supported the film, clarified that the issue didn’t concern him personally. “Raj Saheb was not hurt. He discussed and explained very well. He loved the trailer and wants to see it,” Utekar added.
The controversy follows concerns raised by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s descendant and Rajya Sabha MP, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati. He urged the filmmakers to consult historians, given the sensitive nature of historical portrayals.
“While the lezim is an important part of our cultural heritage, it is necessary to discuss whether taking such cinematic liberties aligns with the dignity and historical portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj,” Sambhajiraje said. “Historians and experts should deliberate on the appropriateness of this depiction.”
CM Devendra Fadnavis Says THIS On Chhaava Controversy
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also shared his views on the matter. In a statement to India TV, he said, “Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s history should be shown correctly, it is not right to distort history. Everyone has a lot of love and respect for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. This respect and honour should not be hurt. There should be creativity (in filmmaking), but we believe that there should be sensitivity along with it.”
Apart from Vicky Kaushal, the film also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna in important roles. It is set for release on February 14.
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