The whole world is eagerly awaiting to see Vicky Kaushal bring to life the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in his upcoming film Chhaava. Known for his intense dedication and meticulous approach to his roles, Kaushal shared his thoughts on playing this historic figure, deeply connected to the values of responsibility, sacrifice, and legacy. He emphasized that the preparation for Chhaava was unlike any other biopic he had ever worked on, as it involved a deep commitment to portraying such a significant figure authentically and with immense respect.
In his interview , Vicky spoke about the significance of portraying a character who carries forward the legacy of the great Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, whose sacrifices were pivotal in the history of India. “The fact that this film is being made makes me feel blessed. I never thought I would be able to do this. I come from Mumbai, where we are familiar with the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. While everyone knows about Shivaji Maharaj, very few know about his son, who continued his legacy and gave his life in the fight to end the Mughal Empire. This film is about sharing that untold story with the world,” Kaushal expressed.
Vicky was acutely aware of the responsibility he had while preparing for this role. “This film is not just another biopic. There’s a sense of faith attached to it. We cannot take that faith lightly. We had to approach it authentically, and that took a lot of preparation. I was fortunate to have the support of Laxman sir, who spent a lot of time guiding me through the process. Whether it was gaining 25 kg of weight, training for horseback riding, sword fighting, working on the language, or studying history, it was all crucial. This is an intense character, and it’s not easy to play someone who had the responsibility of carrying forward Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.”
The physical transformation required for this role was significant, and Vicky gave his all to it. “Physically, it was important for me to get into shape for this role. After Sam Bahadur, I entered Chhaava, and the two roles were at opposite ends of the spectrum. There were three main aspects I had to focus on: building muscle, mastering horseback riding, and sword fighting. The action sequences were real; no VFX was used, and the training for those took around 6-7 months.”
Vicky also spoke about Katrina Kaif's reaction to him doing Chhaava and taking on such an intense role. “Katrina, being from the same industry, understands the space required for such intense characters. She was kind and patient throughout the process. I don’t usually bring my work home, but after playing such characters, I tend to become quiet. It’s a lot to process," he said.
On a lighter note, Vicky shared Katrina's affection for his physical transformation for Chhaava. "She misses my Chhaava physique. She’s eagerly waiting for me to start our next film, Mahavatar, where I’ll need to maintain that physique. "