Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna starrer Chhaava continues to make waves at the box-office. Released on the big screens on February 14, the Laxman Utekar directorial found itself in the midst of a controversy when descendants of Ganoji and Kanhoji Shirke raised objections to the film and claimed that the portrayal of their ancestors was misleading and tarnished their reputation. They even threatened to file a Rs 100 crore defamation lawsuit against the makers of the historical period drama. As soon as the claims were made, the director issued an apology.
Based on the life of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Chhaava’s torture scene has been leaving the audiences emotional and distraught. As the film inches closer to earning more than Rs 400 crores at the box-office, lets take a look at the final moments of Sambhaji Raje Bhosale’s life. The eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, his short yet brave life was riddled with tragedies. Founder of the Maratha Empire, Shambhuraje was raised by his grandmother Jijabai, after his mother Saibai passed away when he was two years old.
SEE ALSO: All You Need To Know About Vicky’s Chhaava Character Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Before The Film Releases
He gave his life while fighting Aurangazeb and his Mughal empire during the Deccan Wars. His sacrifice led to years of war which solidified the Marathas and their passion to fight against Mughal aggression. As the movie is being celebrated by the masses, here’s a look at what all Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj went through during his last moments.
Having won his first war, at the age of 16 in Ramnagar, he successfully led campaigns in Goa and Karnataka between 1675 and 76. He went on to execute 24 members of influential families including top government officials in 1683. The Mughals began to gradually push back Sambhaji Maharaj’s forces by taking over their strongholds in 1685. However, after facing betrayals from his trusted men, he was abused, captured and executed by the Mughal forces in 1689.
According to a report by News18, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was subjected to gruesome torture and inhuman treatment by Aurangzeb and his men. His body was reportedly torn apart from the front and back with tiger claws. His eyes were gauged out, tongue ripped out, eventually he was beheaded with an axe, leading to his death. Even after his passing, his body was subjected to torture as it was cut up into pieces and dumped into a river, so that he wouldn’t get a proper cremation.
SEE ALSO: Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava Co-Star Reveals Why Actor Cried During A Scene; ‘Had To Retake The Shot Three Times’
Alongside him, Shambhuraje’s close friend Kavi Kalash was also subjected to a similar torture. Essayed by Vineet Kumar Singh in Chhaava, it is believed that he was a skilled administrator, a poet as well as a warrior. He played a pivotal role during Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj reign. He had won the title of Chandogamatya (Pinnacle of Poets) after defeating Shahabuddin Khan in the battle near Raigad fort in 1684. He was captured by the Mughals along with the Maratha warrior.
While there are many theories surrounding both the executions, it is believed that they were tortured by Aurangzeb and his forces so they would convert to Islam. They were killed due to their rebellion. The media publication in its report mentions that before their execution, Kavi Kalash and Sambhaji Maharaj were chained, dressed as buffoons and had bells tied to them. They were paraded on camels in front of the public as the Mughal emperor spat on them.
This was not all, a few reports claim that their severed heads were stuffed with straws, taken around the nearby cities to instill fear in the minds of the citizens and put on display, before they were thrown away. The civilians were warned not to honour their body parts, so that it could be left to rot, or face the wrath of the Mughal emperor. However, members of a Dalit Community, reportedly saw the heads at a village called Vadhu, courageously decided to pay homage to the fallen heroes. They searched for the missing body parts and stitched them to the head, before conducting a cremation.
Adapted from Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel of the same name, Chhaava sees Vicky Kaushal in the titular role, Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai Bhonsle and Akshaye Khanna as Mughal Shahenshah Aurangzeb. Having released on February 14, the film is currently inching closer to earning Rs 500 crore at the box-office. In just 11 days, it has reportedly managed to cross the lifetime box office collectionsof Aamir Khan’s PK and Ranbir Kapoor’s Sanju.
