The Actor Gained 25 Kg and Trained in Sword Fighting for His Role as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Jaipur, February 4: Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal is all set to portray the legendary Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in his upcoming period drama Chhaava. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film promises to bring the valiant Maratha warrior’s story to life on the big screen.
During a promotional event in Jaipur, Vicky shared insights into his intense preparation for the role, which involved gaining 25 kg, learning sword fighting, and undergoing rigorous physical and mental training.
Vicky Kaushal on the Challenges of a Historical Biopic
“A biopic requires immense preparation, not just for the actor but for the entire team,” Vicky revealed. “Working on a historical subject is challenging because of the huge budget and the need to recreate an entire era on screen. We’ve done our best to make it as realistic and authentic as possible.”
Vicky explained that his preparation went beyond physical training, involving in-depth research to understand the historical nuances and emotional depth of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s journey.
“As an actor, the preparation was both physical and mental. I underwent action training, bodybuilding, and horse riding while also studying history to understand the essence of that time period,” he said.
Vicky’s Emotional Connection with the Role
Vicky recalled that his director Laxman Utekar first mentioned Chhaava to him while they were working on Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023).
“He told me, ‘This will be our next film,’ and I got really excited. I had read about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in history books, but I needed to do more research to fully understand his story,” Vicky said.
“I’ve never played a fighter before, and since I’m from Mumbai, I felt an emotional connection to this role. Plus, I’ve never done a historical film, so this was a whole new experience for me.”
A Four-Year Journey to Perfection
Vicky revealed that his physical transformation was extensive, taking nearly seven months to achieve the right look.
“Laxman sir showed me a sketch of Sambhaji Maharaj, and I said, ‘He looks like a lion.’ He replied, ‘I want a lion.’”
To embody the warrior king, Vicky gained 25 kg, learned horse riding, and trained in sword fighting. He emphasized that the entire film took four years to complete, ensuring every detail was accurate and impactful.
Star-Studded Cast and Release Date
Alongside Vicky Kaushal, Chhaava features Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna in pivotal roles.
Touted as a “stirring tale of a courageous warrior”, the film will hit theaters on February 14, 2025.