The wait is over. The trailer for Chhaava, the highly anticipated historical drama starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has finally been released, offering a thrilling sneak peek into the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The trailer’s release in Mumbai was marked by Rashmika Mandanna’s determined attendance despite a visible leg injury, showcasing her commitment to the project.

The visuals immediately immerse the viewer in the grandeur and brutality of 17th-century India. We see a montage showcasing the multifaceted life of Sambhaji Maharaj – a skilled warrior, a devoted husband, and a king fiercely protective of his kingdom. The trailer expertly interweaves moments of personal intimacy with scenes of intense warfare, highlighting the complexities of his reign.

At the heart of the narrative is a relentless pursuit of vengeance. Aurangzeb, played with menacing intensity by Akshaye Khanna, vows the elimination of Sambhaji Maharaj at any cost, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict between the Maratha and Mughal empires.

The trailer is filled with exhilarating action sequences; Vicky Kaushal delivers a powerful performance, embodying the fearless warrior spirit of Sambhaji as he single-handedly confronts hordes of enemy soldiers in breathtaking battle scenes. The sheer scale of these sequences promises a visually stunning cinematic experience.

The trailer culminates in a truly unexpected and unforgettable scene: Sambhaji Maharaj engaging in fierce, hand-to-hand combat with a lion. This moment serves as a powerful symbol of the king’s courage and unwavering determination.

Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Chhaava is more than just a historical drama; it’s a visceral and emotionally charged portrayal of a pivotal moment in Indian history.

Based on Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel, Chhava, the film promises a stirring tale of courage, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a king who fought valiantly to protect his people. With its stunning visuals, captivating performances, and thrilling action sequences, Chhaava is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of 2025. Mark your calendars for its theatrical release on February 14, 2025.

Varun Kulkarni, a talented actor who graced the screen in Shah Rukh Khan’s 2023 blockbuster Dunki, is currently facing a severe health crisis. He is hospitalized, battling a serious kidney ailment that necessitates dialysis two to three times a week. The mounting medical expenses have placed an immense strain on him, prompting a heartfelt plea for assistance from his friend and fellow artist, Roshan Shetty.

Shetty’s emotional Instagram post details Kulkarni’s struggle, painting a picture of an artist grappling with the exorbitant costs of his treatment. The unpredictable nature of an actor’s income, coupled with the frequent and costly dialysis sessions and emergency hospital visits, has left Kulkarni in a precarious financial position. This situation is particularly poignant given his personal history. Orphaned at a young age, Kulkarni has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication, pursuing his passion for acting against significant odds.

His contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond his role in Dunki. He has also appeared in acclaimed shows like Scam 1992 and The Family Man, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft. Despite these achievements, the financial realities of his current medical emergency have overwhelmed his resources.

Shetty’s appeal underscores Kulkarni’s character, describing him as not only a brilliant artist but also a kind and selfless individual. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the significant impact even small contributions can have. He provides options for donating, including direct contact details for those personally acquainted with Kulkarni and a link to a Ketto crowdfunding page for broader participation.

The post concludes with a powerful call to action, encouraging everyone to contribute to Kulkarni’s recovery and return to the stage. It highlights the collaborative spirit within the artistic community, demonstrating the willingness to rally around one of their own during a time of profound need. The shared hope is to alleviate Kulkarni’s financial burden, enabling him to focus on his health and ultimately, return to the fulfilling world of acting. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many artists, and the crucial role of collective support in overcoming adversity.

On January 16, Saif Ali Khan’s life took an unexpected turn. A burglary attempt at his Bandra residence escalated into a violent attack, leaving the actor with six stab wounds. The incident, occurring around 2:30 am, immediately triggered a race against time. However, amidst the chaos and fear, a simple act of kindness would become a defining moment in the narrative.

Bhajan Singh Rana, an auto-rickshaw driver, found himself at the heart of this unfolding drama. A frantic call for help alerted him to the situation outside his gate. Without hesitation, Rana responded, unaware that his passenger was the renowned Bollywood actor.

Khan, despite his injuries, managed to walk to the auto-rickshaw, his primary concern being the travel time to Lilavati Hospital. Rana remembers Khan’s calm demeanour, contrasting sharply with the severity of his bleeding; his white kurta stained crimson from the wounds to his neck and back.

The short, tense journey to the hospital became a silent testament to both the actor’s resilience and the driver’s compassion. Rana, moved by the urgency and the actor’s condition, waived the fare. His only reward was the satisfaction of having provided crucial assistance during a critical moment.

Days later, a deeply moving reunion took place. Saif Ali Khan, now recovering, met with Rana at Lilavati Hospital before his discharge. The encounter was not merely a formal thank you; it was a demonstration of profound gratitude. Khan’s mother, Sharmila Tagore, joined the meeting, expressing her sincere appreciation and bestowing blessings upon the man who played such a vital role in her son’s recovery.

The meeting was a poignant reminder of human kindness amidst adversity. Khan’s words, promising to stay in touch and offering future help, encapsulated the genuine bond forged between the actor and his unexpected saviour.

Rana, in turn, described the encounter as deeply respectful, sharing that he had the honour of touching the feet of both Saif Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore, and that they even took photos with him. The images captured a moment of genuine gratitude and mutual respect, a stark contrast to the violence that had preceded it.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police swiftly apprehended the attacker, 30-year-old Bangladeshi national Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, in Thane. He was subsequently remanded into police custody, facing charges related to the assault and burglary.

The incident, while highlighting the vulnerability of even high-profile individuals, also served as a testament to the unexpected kindness and quick thinking of ordinary citizens like Bhajan Singh Rana.