Maratha heritage takes limelight in Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava
From forts to farms: Historical drama filmed at epic locations
Starring Vicky Kaushal, 'Chhaava', filmed at marvellous forts and palaces, brings Maratha history to life
‘Chhaava’, a film with noted Indian actor Vicky Kaushal in the lead role, is set for a release next week. The film is based on the life of Maratha warrior King Sambhaji Maharaj. Besides a gripping narrative, the movie also promises fascinating views of the forts and palaces of Maharashtra and Rajasthan which play an equally important role in the story that retraces key moments in Sambhaji’s life that transpired in these spots.
Starring Vicky Kaushal, 'Chhaava', filmed at marvellous forts and palaces, brings Maratha history to life
Maharashtra is the land where the echoes of valour and pride of the Maratha Empire can still be heard at every corner. Set in the backdrop of this rich Maratha history and centred around the life of Maratha warrior Sambhaji Maharaj is the upcoming Hindi film, Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar.
The warrior’s life journey, as depicted in the Vicky Kaushal-starrer film, is a testimony to the historical narrative of the state. Parts of the film have been shot at different locations within small towns of Maharashtra. From the Western Ghats of Maharashtra to the Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan, the backdrops of the periodical drama offer authentic settings to transport the audiences through time and space.
Wai: A quaint town in western Maharashtra
Menavali Temple at Wai in Satara
Wai, a small town in the Satara district of Maharashtra, provides canvas for the ancient temples and ghats. It is also known as the Varanasi of the South. Its setting along the Krishna River makes it a picturesque surrounding, providing a rustic charm to the period drama.
Key sites of Wai like Menavali Ghat and Dhom Dam have also been used as backdrops for thrilling action sequences.
Satara: Where devotion echoes through its heritage marvels
Baramotichi Vihir lends spiritual ambience to the film
About 25 km south of Wai, Limb village, also in Satara, is yet another location that figures in the movie. Baramotichi Vihir, a 17th-century basalt stepwell, that is octagonal and looks like a dug-out Shivling, lends a spiritual ambiance to Chhaava’s narrative.
As it was once the capital of the Maratha Empire, Satara served as a strategic centre for Maratha warrior king Shivaji Maharaj. It was also the home to several other notable Maratha warriors.
Mahabaleshwar & Karjat: Cinematic battlegrounds come to life
Mahabaleshwar is a popular hill station
Mahabaleshwar, a hill town about 230 km from Mumbai, is known for its lush green and mystic landscapes which serve as a perfect fit for the dense forest and action scenes of the movie. The dense foliage and undulating terrain not only intensify the sense of danger and adventure but also create an experience for the audience to travel back to the period of the Maratha Empire.
Karjat, a small town about 100 km from Mumbai, provides an extensive space which was ideal for grand battle sequences. Karjat not only provides a dramatic setting but also recreates the historical scenes along with a blend of rugged terrain and serene vistas that reflect the Maratha era.
Pune: Glory of Maratha Empire
17th-century Shaniwar Wada served as a royal palace for the Maratha rulers
Pune, sitting at the heart of the Maratha Empire, features heritage marvels like Shaniwar Wada and Lal Mahal which echo the architectural legacy of this era. Shaniwar Wada, located in the city centre, is a 17th century 13-storeyed palace of the Peshwa period, that serves as a symbol of Maratha resilience and power. In Chhaava, the fort is used to display the grandeur of Maratha history.
Besides Shaniwar Wada, Lal Mahal, located in Kasba Peth, is yet another site in Pune that figures in the film as it was the birthplace of Shivaji which not only adds historical depth to the film’s narrative but also sets the stage for the rise of his son Sambhaji on whose life the movie is based.
Moving toward the heritage in the Aravalli Range
Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur has also been used in the film
As director Utekar did not restrict himself to the Western Ghats to display the Maratha Era, but also moved towards Aravalli Range in North-Western India, perhaps to make the scenes more captivating. Many parts of the movie have been shot in Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur districts of Rajasthan and these cities enhance the film’s regal essence, as Rajasthan is famous for its palaces and vibrant surroundings.
Forts of Nahargarh, Amber and Mehrangarh, featured in the films, give an aesthetic appeal to the movie and also portray the grandeur associated with the Maratha heritage. The palatial structures and serene waters of the City of Lakes, Udaipur, create a perfect and majestic blend for depicting the political intrigue and the royal life in Chhaava.
‘Chhava’ was also shot at Jagmandir Island Palace in Udaipur
The timeless charm of City Palace and Jagmandir Palace, located on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, adds an extra layer of the traditional narrative to the Maratha royalty. Chhaava is all set for its theatrical release on February 14 and it is going to be a cinematic journey through history and artistry. From the serene landscapes of Maharashtra to the regal palaces of Rajasthan, the movie is going to be an enriching experience that pays homage to Maratha heritage.
