| Director: | Laxman Utekar |
| Based On: | [1] |
| Producer: | Dinesh Vijan |
| Cinematography: | Saurabh Goswami |
| Editing: | Manish Pradhan |
| Starring: | |
| Music: | A. R. Rahman[2] |
| Studio: | Maddock Films |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Hindi |
Chhaava is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language historical action film based on the life of Maratha king Sambhaji, 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.
Pre-production for the film begun in April 2023, while principal photography commenced in October 2023.[8] Director Laxman Utekar and his team dedicated a year to researching the 17th-century Maratha king's era. They traveled to historical towns such as Aurangabad, Ratnagiri, Pune, Nashik, and Paithan, immersing themselves in the cultural and visual aesthetics of the period. Their research included visits to forts, museums, and consultations with historians to capture the essence of the time.[9]
The costume design, led by Sheetal Sharma, was meticulously crafted to reflect the period's style. This included sourcing authentic Paithani sarees and restoring old sarees with 500-year-old borders for Rashmika Mandanna's character, Yesubai. The design team also recreated intricate jewellery and accessories, including the iconic sword Bhavani by production designers Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray, 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 team's dedication to detail extended to the production design, including replicating a historical throne scene and accessories from various historical locations.[10]
Rashmika Mandanna wrapped up her portion in January 2024.[11] Vicky Kaushal resumed filming in Wai on 9 March and continued till 6 April.[12] Earlier, the team had approached Anil Kapoor for the role of Aurangzeb. However, in October 2023, Akshaye Khanna joined the cast as Aurangzeb.[13] Principal photography wrapped in May 2024.[14] [15]
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.[16] [17]
Initially set for release on 6 December 2024, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on 14 February 2025.[18]