Chhaava

Chhaava
Poster with initial release date
Directed byLaxman Utekar
Written byRishi Virmani
Laxman Utekar
Based onChhava
by Shivaji Sawant[1]
Produced byDinesh Vijan
Starring
CinematographySaurabh Goswami
Edited byManish Pradhan
Music byA. R. Rahman[2]
Production
company
Release date
  • 14 February 2025 (2025-02-14)
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Chhaava (lit. transl. Lion's cub) is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language historical action film based on the life of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal. It is an adaptation of the Marathi novel Chhava by Shivaji Sawant. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the film also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna.

Pre-production began in April 2023 and filming commenced in October 2023 and ended in May 2024. The film score and soundtrack album are composed by A. R. Rahman while the lyrics are written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. It is scheduled for a theatrical release on 14 February 2025.

Cast

Production

Development

Pre-production for the film began in April 2023, with principal photography starting in October.[9] Director Laxman Utekar and his team spent a year researching the 17th-century Maratha era, traveling to historical towns like Chh. Sambhaji Nagar, Ratnagiri, Pune, Nashik, and Paithan. Their research included visits to forts, museums, and consultations with historians.[10]

Costume designer Sheetal Sharma sourced authentic Paithani sarees and restored 500-year-old borders for Rashmika Mandanna's character, Yesubai. The design team led by production designers Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray recreated detailed jewellery and the iconic sword Bhavani, using references from museums in London. Vicky Kaushal's portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj was based on historical busts and statues, ensuring that every aspect of his look was historically accurate. The production design replicated key historical elements, including a throne scene and accessories from various historical locations.[11]

Casting and filming

Rashmika Mandanna wrapped up her portion in January 2024.[12] Vicky Kaushal resumed filming in Wai on 9 March and continued till 6 April.[13] Earlier, the team had approached Anil Kapoor for the role of Aurangzeb. However, in October 2023, Akshaye Khanna joined the cast as Aurangzeb.[14] Principal photography wrapped in May 2024.[15][16]

Marketing

The teaser of the film was showcased before the preview shows of Stree 2, and was later released on social media on 19 August 2024, coinciding Raksha Bandhan.[17][18]

Release

Initially set for release on 6 December 2024, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on 14 February 2025.[19][17]

References

  1. ^ "Laxman Utekar: Vicky has the build and personality for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's role". Mid-day. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  2. ^ "A.R. Rahman Joins Laxman Utekar's 'Chhava' - Exclusive!". The Times of India. 23 May 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  3. ^ "Rashmika Mandanna praises Chhaava co-star Vicky Kaushal, says he was 'warm and kind, except for the last day'; the Sam Bahadur actor reacts". The Indian Express. 28 January 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  4. ^ "క్షణం ఆలోచించకుండా అంగీకరించా" (in Telugu). Eenadu. 16 December 2024. Archived from the original on 16 December 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  5. ^ "Ashutosh Rana and Divya Dutta roped in for Laxman Utekar's 'Chhawa' - Exclusive!". The Times of India. 11 October 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  6. ^ "Vicky Kaushal Opens Up On Working With Rashmika Mandanna in Chaava: 'The Only Person Who Can…'". News18. 22 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  7. ^ "Actor Santosh Juvekar To Make His Comeback In Marathi TV With This Serial". News18. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  8. ^ "'Ghaijini' actor Pradeep Rawat joins Vicky Kaushal for Laxman Utekar's 'Chaava' - Exclusive!". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  9. ^ "Chhaava: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna join star-studded historical epic on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj". Asianet News. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  10. ^ "A year to recreate Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's look in Chhaava". Mid-day. 6 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  11. ^ "Vicky Kaushal's Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj look in Chhaava came to life after year-long research; team recreated replica of the sword of the warrior". Bollywood Hungama. 6 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  12. ^ "Rashmika Mandanna wraps up 'Chhava' shoot, praises Vicky Kaushal: Such a gem". India Today. 28 January 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  13. ^ "Vicky Kaushal to resume 'Chhava' shoot from March 9 in Wai - Exclusive!". The Times of India. 28 February 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  14. ^ "Anil Kapoor approached to play Aurangzeb in Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhawa' - Exclusive!". The Times of India. 9 October 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  15. ^ "It's a wrap! Vicky Kaushal completes shooting of period drama 'Chhava', celebrates end of a 'dramatic journey'". The Economic Times. 12 May 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  16. ^ "Chhava: Vicky Kaushal wraps up 'Wai' schedule, shares pic: see inside". The Times of India. 6 April 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  17. ^ a b Aaglave, Ganesh (15 August 2024). "EXCLUSIVE! Chhava Vs Pushpa 2: How Vicky Kaushal starrer will get affected by Allu Arjun's pan-India biggie at the box office? Trade expert opines". Firstpost. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  18. ^ "Chhaava Teaser: Vicky Kaushal Goes on a Bloodbath as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Release Date Out". News18. 19 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  19. ^ "Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna starrer Chhaava gets postponed; to release on February 14". Bollywood Hungama. 27 November 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.