Actors often work to form bonds on set to bring their characters to life. However, what if the roles they play are mortal enemies like Vicky Kaushal’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Akshaye Khanna’s Aurangzeb in the upcoming Chhaava? How do you create and keep that space and tension in the world of the film, especially if the actors have to have the intensity of the scenes all set within the period drama set in the 1600s? Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, and director Laxman Utekar decided they should only meet on set as foes both deep into their characters, not as co-stars Akshaye and Vicky.
The director revealed in a recent interview. “The day their scene together was to be shot was the day when they met each other for the first time, and that too as characters. Both of them were so immersed in their characters, they didn’t even want to see each other’s faces.”
Kaushal explained, “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, but the film is about them working to meet each other, and that will leave you waiting for that face-off to happen.”
“When we were shooting that scene, we exchanged no good mornings or 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”, Kaushal said.
Both director Laxman Utekar and Vicky Kaushal praised Akshaye’s immersion into the role. Vicky explained, “The muted sliminess and cunningness that he has brought into the character of Aurangzeb has blended beautifully with the roar of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Utekar concurred, adding, “The way he has played Aurangzeb will leave you frightened. He talks very little but communicates so much with his eyes.”
Vicky added, “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.”
Earlier, Kaushal explained that the director’s vision helped him become Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: “Laxman Utekar has made me look like Chhaava. He started calling me ‘Raje’ from the very beginning, not by my name, Vicky. That small detail gave me a sense of responsibility and filled me with confidence. It reminded me of the weight of the role I’m portraying.”
Utekar said, “People of Mumbai and Maharashtra know about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, but outside most people don’t know about him or his life or his sacrifices, or his courage. And that is the reason why I decided to make this movie. With that, a lot of colors, shades, and layers are worked into the film so that people must know about such a big warrior, a courageous king, a kind husband, and a huge protector of his people. A hero of such magnitude, who laid down his life for his dharma, courage, and sacrifice, must be known to the entire world.”
Chhaava releases on February 14th.
ICYMI
