Chhaava Writer Rishi Virmani REACTS To AR Rahman Calling Vicky Kaushal Starrer ‘Divisive’; Says, “Mindset Can’t Be Changed In Few Hours”

Chhaava writer Rishi Virmani has responded after AR Rahman described the Vicky Kaushal-starrer as “divisive.” Rahman, who recently acknowledged that some criticism of the film had merit, also noted that movies alone cannot change long-standing mindsets overnight. Several weeks after Rahman’s comments, Virmani weighed in on the ongoing debate, emphasising that cinema cannot single-handedly alter deeply rooted beliefs.

Chhaava Writer Rishi Virmani REACTS To AR Rahman Calling Vicky Kaushal Starrer ‘Divisive’

Virmani, in a conversation with Zoom, dismissed the notion that a two-and-a-half-hour film can significantly shift public consciousness. “It’s hard to believe that an entire mindset can be changed in just a couple of hours of screen time,” he stated. He also highlighted that audiences are capable of independent thought, pointing out that viewers often reject or embrace films in unexpected ways. “I haven’t seen this kind of emotional connection from audiences towards a film in a long time,” he added, referring to the strong reactions Chhaava evoked.

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A Cinematic Tribute To Sambhaji

Chhaava depicts the life of Sambhaji, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, inspired by Shivaji Sawant’s acclaimed Marathi novel of the same name. The film’s screenplay was a collaborative effort between Laxman Utekar, Rishi Virmani, Kaustubh Savarkar, Unman Bankar, and Omkar Mahajan, with Virmani also writing the dialogues.

Reflecting on Sambhaji’s significance, Virmani expressed hope that the film would bring recognition to the historical figure. “I wish and pray that Chhaava and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj find a place in everyone’s hearts, both nationally and internationally,” he said.

Vicky Kaushal stars as Sambhaji Maharaj, with Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhonsale and Akshaye Khanna portraying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The film’s music and background score were composed by AR Rahman, with cinematography by Saurabh Goswami and editing by Manish Pradhan. Made on a reported budget of Rs 130 crore, Chhaava grossed Rs 807.91 crore worldwide, according to Sacnilk.

Controversy-Political Fallout

Despite its commercial success, Chhaava was embroiled in controversy. The film was linked to communal unrest in Nagpur, Maharashtra, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly stating that the film “ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb.” Earlier, AR Rahman acknowledged the sensitive reception of the film in an interview with BBC Asian Network.

He described the film as “divisive,” noting that it played on divisiveness but also aimed to showcase bravery. Rahman revealed that he questioned his involvement, asking the director why he was chosen for the project. The director reportedly responded, “We need only you for this.” Rahman added, “It’s an enjoyable film, but people are smarter than that. Do you think audiences are easily influenced by movies? They have an internal conscience that knows what’s true and what’s manipulation.”

As debates continue, Chhaava remains both a box office success and a focal point in the ongoing discussion about history, cinema, and public sentiment.

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Also Read: Imtiaz Ali BACKS AR Rahman Amid Communal Remarks Backlash; Says, “His Comments Have Been Miscontrued”

Akankshya Mukherjee

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