TV actor and former Bigg Boss contestant Shardul Pandit recently took to social media to express his thoughts after watching Vicky Kaushal's latest film, Chhaava. In a post, he called out both Bollywood and the education system for failing to highlight the history and contributions of Maratha warriors like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Sharing his reaction, Shardul questioned why the stories of such legendary figures were not adequately covered in school textbooks. He wrote on Instagram, "I saw Chhaava yesterday and couldn’t help but ask my friend, ‘Ye sab humne kyu nahi padha?’ Why do I remember everyone but don’t have a clue about the contribution of the great Maratha warriors? Why haven’t I been gloating in pride over a hero like Sambhaji or Shivaji?"
Expressing his disappointment, Shardul criticised the Indian film industry for shying away from bringing the valour and legacy of the Marathas to the big screen. He further lamented, "Why was Bollywood shying away from bringing them to light? Why were they omitted from my school books or not given the due weightage?"
However, he praised director Laxman Utekar, Vicky, and the team behind Chhaava for making an accurate and impactful film on the Maratha legacy. He urged audiences to watch the film, and stated that it is crucial to celebrate the legacy of these warriors.
He also expressed concern over certain YouTubers attempting to link the film to political agendas, stating, "And now when @maddockfilms @laxman.utekar and @vickykaushal09 have made a very accurate film, I see certain top YouTubers making videos about linking it to politics and questioning why this film is made now."
Shardul concluded his post by urging people to take their children to watch Chhaava and acknowledge the Maratha warriors' rightful place in history. "Please take your kids and go watch Chhaava, as we all have done a gross injustice to this glorious Maratha Sher #ChatrapatiSambhajiMaharaj by not celebrating him enough in our history," he wrote.
While Vicky essays the role of Chhatrapti Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava, the film also stars Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai Bhosale, and Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb. It has been directed by Mimi director Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan.
