Laxman Utekar, director of the Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer Chhaava, said on Monday that the lezim dance sequence will be removed from the film based on the life of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji, after it faced objection from politicians and history enthusiasts.

The film’s trailer has a sequence in which Vicky and Rashmika, who portray Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Yesubai, are seen dancing with the lezim – a traditional musical instrument associated with Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.

The filmmaker announced his decision after discussion with Raj Thackeray. “Raj Thackeray’s knowledge of history, especially regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is extensive. He provided valuable suggestions for changes which we will implement. As for the scene featuring Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj playing lezim, we will delete it. It was not our intention to hurt anyone’s sentiments,” said Utekar.