Why Rashmika Mandanna's Portrayal of Maharani Yesubai Left Audiences Divided
Maharani Yesubai, the wife of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played a significant role in the Maratha Empire. She wasn’t just a queen, she was a warrior, a strategist, and a true leader.
Rashmika Mandanna recently shared a heartfelt post about her experience working on the historical drama Chhaava, where she plays Maharani Yesubai. The film, which stars Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb, is a grand retelling of Maratha history.
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Did Rashmika Mandanna Do Justice to the Role in Chhaava?
In her post, Rashmika revealed that landing the role of Maharani Yesubai came as a "big surprise" to her. She admitted that she never imagined a South Indian girl would portray such a pivotal Marathi historical figure. However, she credited the filmmakers for believing in talent beyond regional boundaries.
However, this wasn’t just a doubt lingering in Rashmika’s own thoughts but a debate that sparked across audiences the moment the casting was announced. Now, with the film finally released, the verdict is in, and it doesn’t seem to be in Rashmika’s favour. Many viewers have taken to social media, expressing disappointment with her portrayal, calling it underwhelming.
How this woman is still getting casted in movies with emotional roles,I will never understand
Towards the climax the scenes showing the bond between CSM & Yesubai felt so comical because of Rashmika’s poor expressions Not hating, she doesn’t suit this role#ChhaavaInCinemaspic.twitter.com/g02l4nM8HP
no hate to rashmika but she does feel a miscast. Instead of her, makers could have gone with mrunal or maybe sharvri. They could handle the accent way more better than her. #Chhaavapic.twitter.com/7rn6zF4byV
7/10 A good one time watch. The acting (except Rashmika) was top notch. Music was decent. Story pacing, War scenes, script writing, character could've been better. Camerawork was well done, captured the emotions well. Certain scenes felt forced. pic.twitter.com/PSOysaxRYZ
#Chaava movie is really good in its own context.#VickyKaushal has done phenomenal job as Raje Sambhaji, especially during last fight sequence. #RashmikaMandanna did decent but someone better should have been chosen for the role.
Though Rashmika couldn’t win over netizens, her portrayal sheds light on the story of Maharani Yesubai, a courageous queen who played a pivotal role in the Maratha Empire and remained a steadfast support to Sambhaji Maharaj during his most challenging times.
As Chhaava continues to generate buzz, here’s some interesting facts about Maharani Yesubai.
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- Maharani Yesubai, the wife of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played a significant role in the Maratha Empire. She wasn’t just a queen, she was a warrior, a strategist, and a true leader.
- When Sambhaji Maharaj was away on battles, it was Maharani Yesubai who managed the empire. She made important political decisions and ensured the kingdom remained strong in his absence.
- After the tragic execution of her husband, Yesubai didn’t back down. She fought fiercely to protect Raigad Fort for nearly eight months and declared Yuvraj Rajaram as the next Chhatrapati.
- Aurangzeb captured Maharani Yesubai and held her prisoner for 27 years. Despite this, she stayed in touch with her son, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, through secret letters.
- She was finally released on July 4, 1719, when the Marathas regained power under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath. This day is now celebrated as the "Day of Bravery."
- In 1730, Maharani Yesubai signed the Treaty of Varanasi, which further strengthened the Maratha Empire, showcasing her sharp political acumen even after her release.
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