Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava gains tax-free status in Madhya Pradesh; Maharashtra to follow?

Madhya Pradesh: In a major announcement on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared the historical drama Chhaava tax-free in the state. The film, starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has been receiving widespread acclaim for its powerful storytelling and historical authenticity. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Yadav shared, “On the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, I announce the tax-free release of the Hindi film Chhaava, based on his son Sambhaji Maharaj.” His decision was met with enthusiasm from audiences eager to see the film reach a wider audience.

Maharashtra government’s response

While Madhya Pradesh has removed the entertainment tax for Chhaava, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the ongoing public demand for similar measures in his state. He acknowledged the film’s historical accuracy and the positive response it has garnered. "I am happy that a very good movie has been made on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. While I have yet to watch it, I have heard from people that this film has been made without distorting history," Fadnavis stated. However, he clarified that Maharashtra had already eliminated entertainment tax back in 2017. "We will see what best we can do to promote this film and make it available to as many people as possible," he assured.

About Chhaava

Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Chhaava is an epic historical drama chronicling the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film showcases his battles, sacrifices, and legacy, bringing to life a crucial chapter in Maratha history.

The star-studded cast includes:

• Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
• Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhonsale
• Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb
• Diana Penty as Zinat-un-Nissa Begum
• Divya Dutta as Soyarabai
• Vineet Kumar Singh as Kavi Kalash
• Ashutosh Rana as Hambirrao Mohite

Adapted from Shivaji Sawant’s acclaimed Marathi novel Chhava, the film was released on February 14 and has been receiving widespread praise for its gripping narrative and stellar performances.

Public reaction and box office performance

With its tax-free status in Madhya Pradesh and growing word-of-mouth popularity, Chhaava is expected to attract larger audiences in the coming weeks. The film's historical significance and strong storytelling have struck a chord with viewers, making it one of the most talked-about releases of 2024.