New Delhi [India], February 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently praised the historical drama ‘Chhaava’, starring Vicky Kaushal, for its depiction of the bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Speaking at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in New Delhi on Friday, PM Modi highlighted Maharashtra’s significant role in both Marathi and Hindi cinema and celebrated the success of ‘Chhaava.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the film’s success, particularly emphasizing its portrayal of the Maratha ruler’s courage. He said, “Ye Maharashtra aur Mumbai hi hai jisne Marathi filmon ke saath-saath, Hindi cinema ko ye unchai di hai. Aur in dino toh, Chhaava ki dhoom machi hui hai.” (Maharashtra and Mumbai have elevated Hindi cinema along with Marathi films, and Chhaava is making waves these days.)
PM Modi also credited the historical Marathi novel Chhava by Shivaji Sawant for introducing the valiant story of Sambhaji Maharaj to a broader audience. His words of praise were met with gratitude from the film’s lead actor, Vicky Kaushal, who shared PM Modi’s post on Instagram, writing, “Honoured beyond words! Grateful to Hon. PM Narendra Modi Ji. #Chhaava.” Co-star Rashmika Mandanna, who plays Yesubai in the film, also took to social media to thank the Prime Minister, writing, “Thank you @narendramodi sir. It’s truly an honour.”
Directed by Laxman Utekar, ‘Chhaava’ has been a massive box-office success since its release on February 14. The film crossed the Rs 200 crore mark on Thursday, thanks in part to the boost from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti holiday on Wednesday. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the film’s remarkable performance, stating, “200 NOT OUT: CHHAAVA IS SENSATIONAL… RECORD HOLD IN MAHARASHTRA… Chhaava makes a grand entry into the Rs 200 crore club, aided by the #ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharajJayanti holiday boost on Wednesday [Day 6].”
Alongside Kaushal and Mandanna, the film also stars Akshaye Khanna and tells the compelling story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The film has found strong support in Maharashtra, with audiences in Rajasthan and West Bengal also contributing to its impressive box-office numbers.