In an era where historical dramas frequently grace the silver screen, authenticity and meticulous attention to detail have become paramount. The upcoming biopic “Chhaava,” directed by Laxman Utekar, is no exception. This film, chronicling the life of the 17th-century Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, features Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal in the lead role. But what sets this project apart is the exceptional effort and year-long research invested to offer an authentic portrayal of the revered warrior king.
The journey to bring Sambhaji Maharaj’s story to life began well before the cameras started rolling in October 2023. Director Laxman Utekar, working closely with costume designer Sheetal Sharma and a dedicated team of historians, embarked on an exhaustive research mission. Their goal: to create a look that is both visually compelling and historically precise.
Sources reveal that this endeavor took the team across Maharashtra, with significant stops in Aurangabad, Ratnagiri, Pune, Nashik, Paithan, and several other towns. “Some filmmakers opt for a palette of whites and pastels, which are often disconnected from the era they aim to depict. However, Laxman was committed to authenticity,” shared a source involved in the project. “During their visits to these Maratha towns, they discovered that the traditional Indian palette is vibrant and rich with colors. Laxman and Sheetal explored numerous forts and museums, gaining more profound insights into the dressing, culture, and lifestyle of that time. They also held in-depth consultations with historians who specialize in that period,” the source added.
The film “Chhaava,” based on the Marathi novel of the same name by Shivaji Sawant, not only stars Vicky Kaushal but also boasts an impressive supporting cast. Rashmika Mandanna plays Sambhaji’s wife Yesubai, Divya Dutta portrays his stepmother Soyarabai, and Akshaye Khanna takes on the role of the formidable Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Particular attention was paid to Rashmika Mandanna’s look in the film.
. The costume design team sourced authentic Paithani and Narayanpeth sarees from the regions of Paithan and Narayanpeth. Given that many fabrics from the 17th century are no longer available, the team scoured museum collections, meticulously photographing fabrics and textiles which were then painstakingly replicated by skilled weavers. Additionally, they procured and restored old sarees, including pieces featuring borders that were as much as 500 years old. “Rashmika has donned numerous Paithani sarees, adorned with intricate Chandrakala designs,” noted the source.
For Vicky Kaushal, embodying Sambhaji Maharaj meant more than just mastering the character’s demeanor; it involved transforming physically and visually into the Maratha king. His look in “Chhaava” took substantial inspiration from Sambhaji’s statues and busts located in various cities such as Sambhajinagar, Pune, and Nashik. One historian specifically collected photographs of these statues to aid the transformation. “The striking image of Vicky Kaushal sitting on the throne in the film’s teaser is intricately based on a bust located in Pune,” the source divulged.
The meticulous attention to detail didn’t stop at costumes alone. The film’s production designers, Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray, played a crucial role in recreating Sambhaji’s sword, Bhavani. This iconic weapon was replicated based on artifacts found in a museum in London. Moreover, the film’s accessories and jewelry were sourced from Kolhapur, Sawantwadi, and Ratnagiri, ensuring that every piece exuded an old-world charm. Rashmika Mandanna’s character, for instance, accessorizes with a nath (nose ring) and a Lakshmi haar, both designs reconstructed from historical images and artifacts.
As the release of “Chhaava” approaches, the dedication and research poured into its making stand as a testament to the filmmakers’ commitment to authenticity. Historical dramas, by their very nature, demand a foundation of exhaustive research and precision. With director Laxman Utekar at the helm, supported by a team of passionate historians and experts, “Chhaava” promises to transport audiences to the 17th century, offering a vivid and authentic portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s life and times.
