Rashmika Mandanna will play Maratha queen Yesubai Bhonsale in the historical drama Chhaava, starring alongside Vicky Kaushal. The film’s trailer was launched today (January 22) at Mumbai’s Plaza Theatre with the cast and team present.
At the trailer launch, Rashmika thanked the team for the opportunity and joked about retiring after such a significant role. She shared, “It is an honour. From a girl coming from the South to play Maharani Yesubai is the most privileged and special thing I could ask for in this lifetime. I tell Laxman sir that after this, I am happy to retire. I am not someone who cries but this trailer choked me up. [Vicky] looks like God, he’s Chhaava.”
Recalling how she was offered the role, Rashmika shared, “I remember being absolutely shocked how did Laxman sir even think of giving me a role like this to play? I just surrendered… you don’t have a reference. It’s a story. You know their story and they are such majestical, impactful characters and personalities. How do you play them?”
She also mentioned that she fully trusted Laxman sir’s vision for the role. While there was plenty of rehearsal, especially for the language, the key was trusting the team. She emphasized the importance of being open and committed, willing to do whatever it took to bring the role to life.
Chhaava also stars Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Neil Bhoopalam, Santosh Juvekar, and Pradeep Rawat in important roles. The film’s music is composed by AR Rahman, and it is produced by Maddock Films.
The movie is scheduled to release in theatres on February 14, 2025, just before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on February 19, 2025.
