‘Chhaava’ trailer: Vicky Kaushal roars as Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

A still from the trailer of ‘Chhaava’

Maddock Films launched the much-anticipated first trailer for Chhaava, an action historical centred on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second Maratha ruler, in Mumbai on Wednesday (January 22, 2025).

Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film is an adaptation of Shivaji Sawant’s eponymous Marathi novel. Vicky Kaushal stars in the titular role, bringing the story of the historical leader to screen. Vicky Kaushal said he is content with his performance in the movie.

“During the preparations, a lot of things happened, and I told Laxman sir that something right is happening somewhere. I feel shy to talk about the preparations, now that the work is done, but whatever was inside me, I gave it all to this,” he said.

Amid thunderous drumbeats and chants for Shivaji, Sambhaji and Mahadev, the trailer for Chhaava was launched at Plaza Cinema in Dadar, Mumbai.

Loud, proud and saffron, the trailer sets up an epic clash between the Marathas and the Mughals. Kaushal towers over the epic production, cutting an imposing figure as he dispatches swarms of Mughal fighters.

Rashmika Mandanna, who was last seen in the blockbuster pan-Indian film Pushpa 2, takes on the role of Maharani Yesubai, Sambhaji Maharaj’s devoted queen. Meanwhile, Akshaye Khanna stuns as menacing Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, in a rugged appearance with long hair and a Mughal crown.

Rashmika star had recently sustained a leg injury while working out in a gym. “It’s an honour, as a girl from the South, to be playing a Maharani. Yesubai is the most privileged and special role I could have asked for in this lifetime. I was just telling Laxman sir that after this, I feel content enough to retire,” she said.

ALSO READ:Rashmika Mandanna: ‘What’s with the vile negativity and hate?’

Filming began in October 2023, following pre-production work starting in April that year. The shoot concluded in May, 2024. The music for the film is composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics by Irshad Kamil.

Initially scheduled for December 2024, Chhaava is now set to release in theatres on 14 February, 2025.