Actor Thakur Anoop Singh praises Vicky Kaushal’s performance in Chhaava and discusses his sequel’s intensity and historical accuracy

The promise has been kept. In his last visit to The Free Press Journal office, nearly a couple of months ago, actor Thakur Anoop Singh, who has essayed the role of Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in his film with the same title, assured us that he would watch the Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhaava to analyze the epic saga as a performer, as a keen history student (from Ferguson College, Pune), and indeed as a critic, so to speak (the new role he assumed exclusively for the FPJ).

The 35-year-old turns up in the studio again to discuss, dissect, and even appreciate the film that has impressed as well as inspired him to bring forth the second part of Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, revolving around the towering figure with more zest.

Vicky’s breathtakingly intense performance:

“He (Vicky Kaushal) has done a fab job within the context of the storyline, the way it has been shot. It’s one of his best works, and he has excelled as a performer, in my opinion. One has to understand the director’s vision, as you can’t showcase an entire lifespan of a warrior of that stature in just two and a half hours. You can’t pack in everything in that timeline, and that’s when our film, with its second part, comes into the picture with what I believe is more nuanced, detailed, and more intense than Chhaava.”

Celebrating the heroism of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj:

“We had historians working on our film, and the facts and accuracy are commendable. I am happy that Chhaava has done justice too in terms of visibility. I am happy that even a person from Kashmir or Punjab today knows who Maharaj was. In my opinion, more films on such heroes should be made!”

“Aaj Kashmir se leke Punjab tak, everybody knows the bravery of Maharaj, thanks to Chhaava. As far as the wider audience goes, we are glad that we could achieve success as well on the regional scale with our film,” maintains Singh.

Competition and comparisons are obvious!

“The scale, the budget, and marketing force have turned the tables in favour of Vicky’s film, and I am happy for him. These things combined, and of that big scale, are lacking in our film, given the fact that it’s a regional (Marathi) endeavour,” he adds.

“This (success of Chhaava) reflects that there should be more such endeavours on a bigger level. It also inspires hope that now the second part of my endeavor will be watched by those too who have watched Chhaava in order to know a more detailed version of the history.” “I must highlight the fact that they have shown it beautifully, especially in the last 40 minutes, where Maharaj’s capture at Sangameshwar and the yaatna (torture) that followed—only the two days of which were shown. Our film showcases from day one up until the 42nd day. So, it’s going to be that much more detailed, nuanced, historically accurate, and it will only reiterate Maharaj’s bravery, his resilience, and the sheer strength of his spirit!”

Akshaye Khanna steals the show

“What a fantastic actor he is! He is like a tiger: he comes, he rules, and then he leaves once the job is done! The nuances, the underplay as a performer, and above all, his detachment as a person once the job is done as an artist, is incredible.”