Thakur Anoop Singh breaks silence on comparisons with Vicky Kaushal in portraying Sambhaji: 'My film is more...'

Thakur Anoop Singh addressed potential comparisons between his portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in his Marathi film and Vicky Kaushal's upcoming role in Chhaava. Rather than fueling a rivalry, Singh expressed genuine curiosity about Kaushal's interpretation and preparation for the iconic character.

Singh expressed his enthusiasm for Kaushal's portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, instead of taking it as competition. Praising Kaushal’s acting prowess, he said, "When I saw his performances, I knew he's a master at picking up the nuances of a character. I have no doubt he'll perform Sambhaji's character to the best of his abilities. He's gonna be performing the character to his extreme best, and I have absolutely full faith in his ability to portray it. In fact, more than that, I'm curious to know what is his version of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is gonna be. Ultimately, I don't see it as a competition, but as an actor, I'm definitely hungry to know the kind of preparation that he must have done," he told ETimes.

Further, Singh shared his thoughts on comparison and revealed that his Marathi film is a two-part epic, with the first instalment delving into Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's formative years and battles, and the second part chronicling his tragic assassination at the hands of the Mughals. “My film is more detailed, adhering to the historical accuracy as per the regional audience”, he said, in contrast to Kaushal's film showcasing the entire journey of Maharaj in three hours.

Thakur Anoop Singh went on to emphasise that the ultimate goal of portraying the iconic Sambhaji Maharaj is to glorify his legacy worldwide, regardless of who plays the role. He believes that both filmmakers and actors share a common intention; to showcase the story of this unsung hero compellingly.

Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava stars Rashmika Mandanna alongside Vicky Kaushal. The film is set to arrive in the theatres on February 14, 2025.