Vicky Kaushal gained 25 kg and trained for months to prepare for his role as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava.
Vicky will next be seen in the historical drama film Chhava. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
Vicky Kaushal is set to portray the legendary Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar. At the film’s trailer launch on Wednesday, the actor revealed he was eager to take on another action-packed role after Uri: The Surgical Strike, and Chhaava provided the perfect opportunity.
“The last action film I did was Uri: The Surgical Strike. After that, I was waiting to do another action film. Everything about this was new. I didn’t know horse riding, so I took training for it. I also trained in sword, stick, and spear fighting for 6-7 months. I gained weight for the role — I went from 80 kg to around 105 kg, putting on 25 kg for the film,” Kaushal shared.
Discussing his journey with the historical character, Vicky said, “During the prep, a lot of things happened, and I told Laxman sir that something right is happening somewhere. I feel shy to talk about the prep now that the work is done, but whatever was inside me, I gave it all to this. I am satisfied knowing that I had nothing more to give to any film than what I’ve given to this one.”
Vicky admitted he initially felt apprehensive about playing such a revered historical figure but credited Utekar for his confidence in him. “There are certain characters that, when you get the opportunity to play them, you feel scared, wondering if you’ll be able to do justice to them. That fear comes from knowing how deeply sentiments and faith are attached to such roles,” he said.
Also starring Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai and Akshaye Khanna, Chhaava marks Vicky’s second collaboration with Utekar after Zara Hatke Zara Bachke.
Rashmika, who arrived at the event in a wheelchair due to a recent gym injury, expressed her gratitude for playing Yesubai. “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.
Director Utekar, known for films like Mimi and Luka Chuppi, thanked producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films for trusting him with the story of the legendary warrior. Chhaava releases on February 14, 2025.
