As the release date for ‘Chhaava’ draws near, Vicky Kaushal has been rigorously preparing for his role as the Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. His remarkable transformation for this historical drama saw him gain 25 kilograms to embody the strength and stature of the iconic ruler. At a recent promotional event in Delhi, Vicky opened up about his physical journey, sharing his wife Katrina Kaif’s reaction to his dedication to the role.

Directed by Laxman Utekar, ‘Chhaava’ vividly depicts the valiant reign of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, one of India’s most celebrated historical personalities. The film explores key moments in his life, beginning with his coronation in 1681, and delves into the intricacies of his rule.

Speaking openly about the physical trials he faced, Vicky recalled Katrina’s supportive response to his significant weight gain. “She was thrilled to the point that she now misses ‘Chhaava’,” he laughed. “Whenever a new poster comes out, she’s always the first to like it multiple times, often commenting ‘Ye kahan gaya?’ about my character.” With a smile, he added, “She’s eagerly looking forward to my next project, ‘Mahavatar’, particularly because of the beard look.”

Vicky also shared a humorous aspect of his journey, revealing that after completing the demanding shoot for ‘Chhaava’, he treated himself to some favorite street foods. “After the shoot, I indulged in gol gappe and chaat,” he chuckled.

However, preparing for the role was no small feat. Vicky spoke about the commitment required, stating, “There were days when I hardly had time to relax. With 12-hour shoots, plus two hours of training before and two hours of action rehearsals afterward, sleep was a rare luxury.” He praised Katrina for her understanding during this intense period, saying, “Katrina knows how the industry works, and she was incredibly kind and patient with me.”

Rashmika Mandanna also plays a significant role in the film. Sharing her excitement upon joining the project, she expressed, “I had no clue why Laxman sir thought of me for this role. But once I saw the first look and heard the script, I knew it was meant for me.”

Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna transforms into Maharani Yesubai in ‘Chhaava’ first look

While ‘Chhaava’ is generating buzz for its engaging storyline and powerful performances, it has not been without controversy. A traditional Lezim dance sequence featuring Vicky’s character was recently cut after objections from various political figures, including Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant. “The issue arose over the portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj performing the Lezim dance. I envisioned him celebrating a triumphant battle return with such a performance, but we decided to remove it after the objections,” Vicky explained.

During the promotional event, Vicky reminisced about the initial conversation with director Laxman Utekar regarding the concept for ‘Chhaava’, which took place while they were working on ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’.