‘Lezim sequence was an effort to take our tradition to world’ – Firstpost

Actor Vicky Kaushal, whose upcoming movie “Chhaava” sparked controversy over a lezim dance sequence that includes his character Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, on Thursday stated the now-deleted scene was an effort from the makers to advertise Maharashtra’s tradition worldwide.

Directed by Laxman Utekar, “Chhaava” will see Kaushal within the function of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Maratha empire founder Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Utekar final week introduced that they’ll take away the photographs of lezim, a folks dance from the state of Maharashtra which entails a small musical instrument of the identical title, after the footage within the movie’s trailer confronted objection from a bit of politicians and historical past fanatics.

Kaushal, who interacted with the media in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, stated the intent of the solid and crew of Chhaava was clear proper from the outset.

“Not a single day glided by after we didn’t begin work on the movie with out the Shivgarjana (slogans concerning the braveness of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj). The lezim half was only for 20-30 seconds (within the movie). Not only a (a part of the) story nevertheless it was an effort of taking our tradition to the globe.

“Sambhaji Maharaj was a king of the folks and if somebody requested him to play (lezim) with them, the king would undoubtedly oblige. But when his followers really feel it was a bit off… It’s not necessary to the story of the film, so we’ve got eliminated it,” the actor advised reporters right here.

Kaushal additional stated the upcoming movie is predicated on novelist Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi e-book “Chaava”.

The actor, who has performed real-life characters in films “Sardar Udham” and “Sam Bahadur”, stated the preparation for “Chhaava” went on for nearly a yr.

“It additionally took nearly a yr to get the costumes and jewelry prepared. The costumes are domestically procured and will not be rented.

“It took me seven months to arrange for this film… to develop lengthy hair, beard, examine the language and tradition, develop the physique, and endure coaching for motion sequences. Laxman sir additionally advised me that there can be no dishonest in the case of horse using and that I’d should study it,” he added.

The actor additionally visited the well-known Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, the twelfth Shiva Jyotirling, close to the Ellora Caves.

The upcoming film additionally stars Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai and Akshaye Khanna as Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It marks Kaushal’s second second collaboration with Utekar after 2023’s “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke”. Produced by Maddock Movies, “Chhaava” will hit the screens on February 14.