Vicky Kaushal’s film “Chhaava” finally hit theaters on February 14, and fans have been waiting for this historical film for quite some time. In this film, Vicky Kaushal plays the role of Sambhaji, the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. What’s impressive is that Vicky performed all the stunts, from horse riding to sword fighting, himself.
When asked what he had to learn to take on this role, Vicky says, “I had to understand that historical world, the culture of over three and a half centuries ago. I had to learn about their beliefs, the principles they lived by – all of that.” Given that Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is revered like a god in Maharashtra, the entire team had to work with great responsibility to ensure that no one’s faith was hurt.
The film’s director, Lakshman Utekar, played a significant role in boosting Vicky’s confidence. Vicky recalls, “When I was offered this role, I asked myself if I could pull it off. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was a great warrior, and I had six or seven months to prepare. I got the courage to tackle this role from the director, who has been calling me ‘Raje’ since then. That word has stuck with me, and it gives an artist so much confidence that you start seeing yourself in that place.”
Vicky had to befriend a horse named Azad and spent six or seven months training with it. He had a special team from abroad that taught him horse riding and trained the horse as well. Vicky performed all the stunts, including horse riding and sword fighting, without a body double.
Currently, Vicky is working on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film “Love and War” and will soon start working on the mythological film “Mahavtar,” where he will play Lord Parshuram. Unlike most actors who take a break after a historical film to prepare for their next character, Vicky thinks differently. He believes that you shouldn’t take breaks between good stories. He just wants to be a part of good stories, and his upcoming films feature great characters that will test his acting skills – opportunities he has been waiting for over the past decade.