‘It
was
not
our
intention
to
hurt
anyone’s
sentiments.’
Vicky
Kaushal
as
Chhatrapati
Sambhaji
Maharaj
and
Rashmika
Mandanna
as
Maharani
Yesubai
in
the
controversial
dance
sequence.
Filmmaker
Laxman
Utekar
on
Monday
said
the
lezim
dance
scene
will
be
removed
from
his
upcoming
movie
Chhaava,
based
on
the
life
of
Maratha
warrior
king
Chhatrapati
Sambhaji
Maharaj,
after
it
faced
objection
from
politicians
and
history
enthusiasts.
The
filmmaker
announced
his
decision
after
he
discussed
the
issue
with
Raj
Thackeray
at
the
Maharashtra
Navnirman
Sena
chief’s
residence
on
Monday.
The
film’s
trailer,
released
last
week,
has
a
sequence
in
which
Vicky
Kaushal
and
Rashmika
Mandanna,
who
portray
Chhatrapati
Sambhaji
Maharaj
and
Maharani
Yesubai,
are
seen
dancing
with
the
lezim”
a
traditional
musical
instrument
associated
with
Maharashtra’s
cultural
heritage.
Vicky
Kaushal
performs
the
lezim
dance.
Talking
to
reporters,
Utekar
said,
“The
meeting
with
Raj
Thackeray
was
to
seek
his
advice.
His
knowledge
of
history,
especially
regarding
Chhatrapati
Shivaji
Maharaj,
is
extensive.
“He
provided
valuable
suggestions
for
changes,
which
we
will
implement.
As
for
the
scene
featuring
Chhatrapati
Sambhaji
Maharaj
playing
lezim,
we
will
delete
it.
“It
was
not
our
intention
to
hurt
anyone’s
sentiments.”
The
dance
scene
sparked
outrage
with
social
media
backlash
and
criticism
from
politicians
alleging
disrespect
to
the
historical
figure.
“We
are
removing
the
scene
because
it
is
not
a
significant
part
of
the
film,”
Utekar
said.
“If
people
feel
that
the
portrayal
is
inaccurate,
we
are
willing
to
make
this
change.
“Our
goal
has
always
been
to
honour
and
showcase
the
greatness
of
Chhatrapati
Sambhaji
Maharaj
to
the
world.”
Vicky
Kaushal
in
the
controversial
sequence.
“This
film
is
a
result
of
four
years
of
research
by
our
team.
“The
aim
is
to
educate
the
world
about
the
contributions
of
Chhatrapati
Sambhaji
Maharaj
as
a
great
warrior
and
king.
“If
any
part
of
the
film
tarnishes
this
vision,
we
have
no
hesitation
in
addressing
it,”
Utekar
said.
Maharashtra
Minister
and
Shiv
Sena
leader
Uday
Samant,
who
had
demanded
the
removal
of
objectionable
scenes,
welcomed
the
director’s
decision
and
said
he
hoped
this
would
bring
the
matter
to
a
close.
The
film
is
set
to
release
in
theatres
on
February
14.
Feature
Presentation:
Ashish
Narsale/Rediff.com