Guwahati, Mar 31: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has lauded Vicky Kaushal’s film Chhaava for its depiction of the life and resistance of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj against the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

In a post on the social media platform X, Sarma praised the film, stating, “The 2025 Hindi film Chhaava chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, highlighting his resistance against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s oppressive regime.”

Sarma also drew a connection between the film’s narrative and Assam’s own history, recalling the 1671 Battle of Saraighat, where General Lachit Barphukan led the Ahom Kingdom to a decisive victory over the Mughal forces. “The Battle of Saraighat effectively halted Aurangzeb’s expansion into Assam, showcasing the region’s steadfast resistance against imperial forces,” he added.

Additionally, Sarma highlighted Assam’s legacy of resilience, referencing the successful defense by Maharaja Prithu of Kamarupa against Turkish invader Bakhtiyar Khilji, who had destroyed Nalanda University.

Directed by Laxmank Utekar, Chhaava stars Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, along with Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna. The film has become Kaushal’s highest-grossing project, surpassing his previous successes such as Uri: The Surgical Strike and Raazi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Chhaava during the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in New Delhi, recognizing the film’s success and crediting Marathi author Shivaji Sawant’s novel Chhava for bringing Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy into the spotlight.

Vicky Kaushal shared the Prime Minister’s praise on Instagram, writing, “Honoured beyond words! Grateful to Hon. PM Narendra Modi Ji. #Chhaava.”