Director Laxman Utekar on ‘Chhaava’: Navigating the Specific Struggles of Period Films
Director Laxman Utekar, who received all the accolades with his layered storytelling work, is ready to take the audiences to the past with Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer period drama Chhaava. The teaser has already created a buzz, and the audience waits with bated breath for this film. India Today Digital asked director Ajay Utekar if he had ever been petrified while bringing a relatively unknown story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to the big screen and what are some of the unique challenges that come with making period dramas.
‘Inspiration behind ‘Chhaava’
For Utekar, Chhaava is just not another historical drama. It is more a passion project for him, mainly based on the deep sense of duty to tell untold aspects of a forgotten hero. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that the idea for the film began germinating in the mind of its director. “Everyone knows about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, but no one knows about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj,” Utekar said. “He had such great courage and was a remarkable warrior, but sadly, his story is not very well known.”
It was in that still and contemplative time of the pandemic that Utekar began reading up on Sambhaji Maharaj. He felt this was something that needed to be told because he feels intensely about his valor and contribution to Indian history. “When I read about Sambhaji Maharaj, I realized he is such a big character, and I wondered why we’re not talking about his life. That’s when I started writing, and the idea of Chhaava came to me,” he explained.
Cultural Sensitivity and Responsibility
After all, a film on a historical figure as venerated as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj must be tackled cautiously. Utekar and his team know well that period dramas, especially where real-life figures in history are involved, tread the thin line between fact and fiction. One false step here might catch the wrong cultural sensitivities.
“We have been very careful not to hurt the sentiments of the public in regard to the cultural and historical significance of Sambhaji Maharaj’s life. We never wanted to hurt public sentiments; we have been extra cautious not to present anything that is hurtful, he said.
There were too many political issues with Sambhaji Maharaj in the Maratha Empire, so it goes without saying that this is a very political complicated time. For Utekar to ensure that Sambhaji Maharaj was portrayed correctly with respect, he consulted historians and experts at all the stages of the film making. “We have consulted historians through the process to make sure we were going by the book while ensuring it was a film that not only entertained but also was visually appealing,” said the filmmaker.
Difficulties of Period Drama
Period dramas are complex and do pose their own difficulties in the narrative as much as they do on the sets. Whether it is crafting the sets to accuracy or creating historically accurate costumes, the process involves meticulous research and planning. “One of the biggest challenges was to actually portray the world of the Maratha Empire 400 years ago,” Utekar said about making Chhaava.
He said it was no cakewalk to recreate the era of the Maratha Empire. “Everything from architecture to clothing and weapons should be accurate. We wanted them to feel like they have actually been transported to the Sambhaji Maharaj era.”.
The production design team worked on creating authentic sets that would recall the grandeur to evoke the pride of the Maratha Empire. Whether it was forts or battlefields, even the minutest details spoke of the time period. “It was a given for us that the film would not look like a historical drama but feel like one,”
Working with Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna
The most talked-about elements, of course, revolve around the stupendous cast featuring Vicky Kaushal in a lead role as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Rashmika Mandanna. Utekar said he was thrilled to work alongside both the actors and how they “brought the character to life”.
Vicky is a brilliant actor, and he has taken to Sambhaji Maharaj like fish to water. He’s got the level and the commitment that this kind of character would require, said Utekar. According to reports, for this strenuous act, Vicky Kaushal was put through rigorous training for films like Uri: The Surgical Strike and Sardar Udham.
Rishab Shetty, also known as the multitalented actor with charm, was just as significant to the film. “Rashmika brings a lot of depth and emotion to her character. She has this natural ability to connect with the audience, which was essential for the role she’s playing,” said Utekar.
Anticipation and Audience Expectations
Already making a lot of noise over the teaser, Chhaava has ended up being one of the most eagerly-awaited films of the year. Having understood how much is riding on it with this project, and yet not wanting to taint his take by over-sensationalized, created expectations, Utekar says it’s enough efforts towards the direction of making this film. “I believe the audience will appreciate the effort we’ve put into this film.” We’ve tried being as honest as possible in the making of the movie entertaining and engaging, he said.
He would be praying that this balance of authentic historical content and impactful narration will create heroes like Sambhaji Maharaj with a connection to cinema audiences. “Sambhaji Maharaj’s life was full of courage, sacrifices, and perseverance. His story deserves to be told, and we hope people connect with it on the emotional level,” said Utekar.
Conclusion: ‘Chhaava’ as a Tribute to an Unsung Hero
Chhaava is not just a film but an ode to the great warrior who has been stretched far beyond what history would have revealed. All minute research, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to historical accuracy: Laxman Utekar makes a promise to breathe new life into the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj-an entire generation of viewers to be.
As everyone waits for the release of Chhaava, there is one thing sure-that this film brings entertainment, education, and light on one of India’s most courageous and most misunderstood historical figures. The passion and commitment of the lead by Utekar for this project are truly more than amazing results into a movie.
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