Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has now reacted to the growing public demand for tax-free status of Chhaava.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has praised Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has now applauded Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava for staying true to history, saying that the film doesn’t distort facts. The film is receiving rave reviews from fans and celebs alike and the box office collections are through the roof. Recently, the Mumbai Dabbawala Association had appealed to the Maha CM to declare the film tax-free in the state. Moreover, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also wrote a letter to Fadnavis requesting him to declare Chhaava, tax-free in the state.
With public demand growing for a tax-free status, all eyes were on Fadnavis for an answer. While he has now addressed the buzz surrounding it, the final decision remains to be seen. Fadnavis praised the film for its authentic historical portrayal and shared that he has received positive feedback from the public.
“I am happy that a very good movie has been made on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. While I have yet to watch it, I have heard from people that this film has been made without distorting history,” Fadnavis said.
The CM further said that Maharashtra had already removed the entertainment tax in 2017, adding, “We will see what best we can do to promote this film and make it available to as many people as possible.”
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava is a period drama based on the life of the legendary Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Vicky steps into the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of the Maratha empire’s founder. Meanwhile, Rashmika Mandanna portrays his wife, Yesubai Bhonsale. The film also stars Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, and Divya Dutta in key roles.
Recently, FWICE had issued a statement and appreciated the film for presenting the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to all. “We appeal that the movie reaches a wider audience as the legacy and courage of this great Maratha king should be known to the generations to come. Our government strongly believes in ‘Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah’, and this movie portrays exactly the same sentiments through the life story of the great Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj,” the statement read.
It further mentioned that a film like Chhaava must be watched by everyone across the country to learn about the Maratha rulers. “FWICE has written to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and appealed to him to grant tax exemption to the Hindi film Chhaava. We strongly believe that the movie should reach people not only in Maharashtra but across the nation,” the statement added.
Prior to that, the Mumbai Dabbawala Association had also requested Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to declare the film tax-free in Maharashtra. “Our ancestors were warriors in the army of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and fought alongside him on the battlefield. For us, both Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj are revered figures,” said Subhash Talekar, president of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association.
At the box office, Chhaava earned Rs 24.50 crore on its fifth day (February 18) bringing its total collection to Rs 165 crore.
