Vicky Kaushal: 'Chhaava' Teaches Me Future Discipline

New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) After gaining over 100 kilos and mastering the arts of horseback riding and sword fighting, Bollywood sensation Vicky Kaushal fully embraced his role in “Chhaava”. He expressed that this film has shown him how he can introduce discipline into his life if necessary in the future.

In the directorial venture of Laxman Utekar, Vicky portrays the fearless Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the firstborn of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who took the throne after his father’s passing.

Known affectionately as the National Crush, Vicky pushed the boundaries with his physical transformation for this role. Nevertheless, he feels that his efforts seem inadequate compared to the strength of the historical figure he is representing.

Vicky shared with IANS, “When making a film about such a significant personality, it always feels like what you do is insufficient. Even if I put in my best effort, I believe if I were to recreate Chhaava today, I would strive to deliver even more, as that is what this character truly deserves.”

“Yes, according to what Laxman sir instructed me, I had to look like someone who can convincingly fight a lion. There’s a lot of action, so extensive training was essential.”

He did not shy away from stating that the action sequences are “real and raw.”

“There’s no VFX involved in the action. Additionally, with horseback riding, he insisted on authenticity, stating that I shouldn’t cheat or compromise. It had to be genuine. This preparation takes time, whether it’s learning the language or other skills. But it’s also a lot of fun.”

The National Award-winning actor, who began his Hindi cinema journey in 2012 with “Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana”, acquired numerous skills through this film, which he believes will benefit him in the future.

“Through this film, I learned how to ride horses. Through this film, I mastered sword fighting. Through this film, I realized I can bring discipline into my life if I need it later.”

“What are the do's and don'ts? It’s a journey of personal growth while engaging in these activities. It extends beyond just money and fame that one gains through such experiences.”

On what makes historical films appealing to audiences, Vicky mentioned that it’s the thrill of being transported to a different era.

“From an audience perspective, it’s about being whisked away to a world you’ve never experienced. If executed well, it feels like a departure from our everyday lives to a fascinating realm.”

“I find this aspect of historical narratives quite enchanting.”

How does one develop a character that history barely recognizes?

“Firstly, it's unfortunate that Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is often regarded as an unsung hero. It’s high time we highlight these overlooked figures and celebrate them. With the reach of the internet, our cinema is going global, making it an opportune moment to showcase our true heroes.”

He acknowledged that creating historical dramas poses significant challenges, not just for actors but also for directors, producers, and everyone involved in films like “Chhaava.”

“Authenticity is crucial, and the scale is important; creating an entire world from scratch is necessary. This level of detail and precision can be quite daunting. As actors, we bear the responsibility of portraying characters who have existed. Bringing their stories to light after 350 years carries great significance and demands sensitivity.”

“All these elements make the process challenging. However, I can say with pride that the entire team has poured their best efforts into this project.”

As the film gears up for its release on February 14, Vicky feels a blend of nerves and excitement.

“It’s nerve-wracking but also incredibly thrilling. A dedicated team has put in a lot of effort over the past four years. We’ve all been anticipating this day, and now that it’s finally here, we can hardly wait.”