Rashmika Mandanna 'replaced' Katrina Kaif in Chhaava! Writer says ‘Kat wouldn’t have been the right choice’

Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna's latest blockbuster Chhaava has successfully crossed the coveted Rs 500-crore milestone (domestic). While Vicky and Akshaye nailed their roles and won the hearts of moviegoers, a section of the audience didn't seem to be impressed with Rashoo's portrayal of Maharani Yesubai. A couple of weeks ago, reports were abuzz that Katrina Kaif was the first choice for Maharani Yesuba and many even voted for Kat as perfect for the role. But, Chhaava's screenwriter claims that Kat wouldn't have been the right choice for the role opposite Vicky.

Did Katrina Kaif Reject Chhaava's Offer?

Earlier in February, reports were abuzz that Mahesh Babu and Katrina Kaif were the first choice of the makers of Chhaava for Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Yesubai, respectively. Moreover, reports also claimed that before Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor was approached to play Aurangzeb’s role. However, after their denial, the makers locked the actors for Chhaava, who created history. While the authenticity behind the reports couldn’t be verified, Chhaava's screenwriter recently clarified that Katrina Kaif wouldn’t have been the right choice for Maharani Yesubai.

Related Story: Chhaava: Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna were not the 'first choice' of the makers?

Katrina Kaif Wouldn’t Have Been the Right Choice to Play Vicky’s Onscreen Wife!

During a recent exclusive interview with Zoom, Chhaava's screenwriter Rishi Virmani revealed the reason why Katrina Kaif wouldn't have been the right choice for Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale. Notably, several moviegoers, who were unimpressed with Rashoo's character portrayal, opined that Katrina Kaif would have been a better fit for the role. Considering Kat's aura, personality and real-life bonding with

Vicky, people suggested that Yesubai's role was tailor-made for her. However, the screenwriter revealed that Kat wouldn't have been the right choice to play Vicky's on-screen wife. 

Virmani cited an example of Salman Khan and said, "Actors and actresses carry baggage behind them. When you see Salman Khan, you expect something from him. You already see him shirtless and fighting baddies. Your brain gives those flashbacks."

He further continued that when the audience see Vicky and Katrina, they are likely to get lost in their present chemistry.

However, he explained why Kat would have been the right choice to play Vicky's wife.

He said, "I am seeing a recently married couple on screen and then seeing two children next to them who are older, I don't think I can associate that part of the story as an audience. They got married a few years ago. Casting for such roles is not easy."

Also Read: Chhaava screening turns chaotic after man 'attacks' Aurangzeb, vandalises multiplex screen!

Blockbuster Chhaava

Moviegoers lauded Vicky's powerful portrayal of Maratha Ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Akshaye's menacing avatar as Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Even fans loved Ashutosh Rana’s Hambirrao Mohite and Divya Dutta’s Soyarabai character portrayal in Chhaava. Continuing its successful 24-day run at the box office, the historical drama based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has garnered both critical acclaim and audience appreciation.