Vicky Kaushal’s look in ‘Chhaava’ trailer recreated from a historical bust; props sourced from museums: Report | Indian Film News

Biography movie Sergeantdiving into the depths of life Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharajfeatures Vicky Kaushal starring. This film stands as a testament to the dedication and meticulous research that can significantly improve a historical drama. Directed by Laxman UtekarThe production team spent a year trying to fully understand and realistically portray 17th century life Maratha king.
According to Mid-day, the quest for authenticity led Utekar and costume designer Sheetal Sharma to explore various historical towns and cities in Maharashtra, including Aurangabad, Ratnagiri, Pune, Nashik and Paithan. Their approach went beyond mere academic study; they tried to immerse themselves in the cultural nuances and visual aesthetics of the period. A source said that while some filmmakers might prefer muted colour palettes, Utekar aimed for a vibrant representation. The team discovered that the Maratha aesthetic was characterised by an “explosion of colours”, which they reflected in their designs. Visits to forts and museums provided invaluable insights into the dress styles and cultural practices of the period, while conversations with historians enriched their understanding of the period.
Rashmika Mandanna She plays Yesubai, Sambhaji’s wife, and her costumes are the highlight of the film. The costume design team reportedly provided exquisite costumes Paithani saris directly from local weavers. They even restored old saris with 500-year-old borders to ensure authenticity. The sourcing process included trips to Paithan and Narayanpeth, where they purchased original Paithani and Narayanpeth saris. Since many fabrics from the period no longer exist, the team meticulously documented the textiles in museums, which were then replicated by skilled weavers. The source explained that Mandanna had several Paithani saris in her wardrobe, decorated with intricate Chandrakala designs.
The attention to detail permeated every aspect of the production, especially in creating Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj. According to the report, the Chhaava team studied historical statues and busts to accurately capture the distinctive features and demeanor of the king. The trailer of the film features an iconic throne scene inspired by a bust found in Pune. The accessories and jewellery worn by the characters were sourced from local markets and museums, and the costume design team ensured that every detail reflected the historical accuracy of the period. The source said that the final image in the Chhaava trailer, which shows Vicky on the throne, historical bustAccessories were sourced from Kolhapur, Sawantwadi and Ratnagiri, with a focus on achieving old-world charm. Mandanna’s character wears a Lakshmi hairpiece paired with a nath, a look copied from historical paintings and artefacts. Also, Sambhaji’s sword Bhavani was recreated from a museum in London by production designers Subrata.
The trailer of the film, which was released a few weeks ago, created significant interest by showing Kaushal’s fierce portrayal of a Maratha warrior. Chhaava is based on a Marathi novel by Shivaji Sawant and also Akshay Khanna like Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and Divya Dutta as Vicky Kaushal’s stepmother Soyarabai. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on December 6, 2024, and promises to present a gripping retelling of Sambhaji Maharaj’s bravery and legacy.