The upcoming historical action film ‘Chhaava’, directed by Laxman Utekar, stars Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai, and Akshaye Khanna as Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. While the trailer has sparked conversations, much of the intrigue surrounding the film revolves around the intense on-screen rivalry between Vicky and Akshaye.
Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna’s first meeting was on the shoot day
Despite playing two of the most pivotal characters in the film, Vicky and Akshaye never interacted before filming their highly anticipated face-off scene. The actors met for the first time on the day of their shoot, maintaining an air of authenticity and tension between their characters.
“When we were shooting that scene, we exchanged no good mornings, goodbyes, or hellos. He was Aurangzeb and I was Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and we went straight into shooting the scene. There was no communication as Vicky Kaushal to Akshaye Khanna,” Vicky said during an interview with Bollywood Hungama.
“Considering the way the scenes were, you can’t do them by sitting on chairs next to each other, sipping tea and then going for the shoot when ready. So, it didn’t happen organically either. I hope I get to chat with him after the movie’s release, but during the shoot, we never interacted with each other,” Vicky said.
Laxman added, “Both of them were so immersed in their characters, they didn’t even want to see each other’s faces.”
The decision to avoid personal interaction before the scene added to the intensity of their performances, making their face-off one of the most awaited moments in the film.
Vicky further elaborated on the historical significance of their characters’ conflict, stating, “It took Aurangzeb nine years to find and get hold of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. So, a lot of the film shows his quest to find him. There are some moments together (between Vicky and Akshaye), but the film is about them thriving to (meet each other) and that will leave you waiting for that face-off to happen. The muted sliminess and cunningness that he has brought into the character of Aurangzeb has blended beautifully with the roar of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.”
Laxman Utekar praises Akshaye Khanna
Director Laxman Utekar praised Akshaye’s performance as Aurangzeb. “The way he has played Aurangzeb will leave you frightened. He talks very little, but communicates so much with his eyes,” Laxman said.
Given that Akshaye is known for being selective about his projects, Laxman was asked how he persuaded the actor to take on the role. He shared that it only took a visit to Akshaye’s home in Alibaug. “He is a very nice person. Though he does only a few projects, whatever he does, he does wholeheartedly,” the director remarked.
