Chhaava: Who Was Maharani Yesubai? Know About 'The Maratha Queen' Played By Rashmika Mandanna

Chhaava was one of the most-anticipated films of the year 2025, and it has divided the internet into two halves. While one side absolutely loves Vicky Kaushal's portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, some cinephiles feel that the film lacked substance in some sequences. Although the internet is a bit divided about the film's screenplay, Chhaava has succeeded in making its mark at the box office. The historical epic is now the biggest Bollywood Day 1 opener of 2025 after registering an opening of Rs. 13.18 crore.

Chhaava movie: Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna shine as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Yesubai

The film's climax scene is making waves on the internet, and most people have labelled it as the best acting sequence of Vicky's career. Chhaava revolves mostly around Vicky's character, but Rashmika Mandanna still left a lasting impression on the audience. Despite being a South Indian actress, how Rashmika pulled off Maharani Yesubai's character speaks volumes about her acting skills.

In a long Instagram post, Rashmika Mandanna admitted that she never thought that a South Indian actress would be able to play Maharani Yesubai. However, it happened because she worked with people who believed in working beyond boundaries. The actress thanked Chhaava's director, Laxman Utekar and her co-star for cooperating with her during the film's shoot. Well, it's fair to say that Rashmika transformed herself completely in order to get into the skin of her character, Maharani Yesubai. 

Who was Maharani Yesubai? Know about the history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's wife

Maharani Yesubai was the wife of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and is referred to as the Chhatrapati Maharani of the Maratha Empire. She was also the mother of Chhatrapati Shahu I and became Rajmata in his son's reign. At the time, when Sambhaji Maharaj was away from his Maratha capital to fight battles, it was Maharani Yesubai who handled the empire and made many important political decisions. Even after the execution of her husband, she showcased incredible courage and political intelligence.

The Maratha queen fought at the Raigad fort for the next 7-8 months and announced Yuvraj Rajaram as the next Chhatrapati of Swarajya after Sambhaji Maharaj's demise. Although Aurangzeb imprisoned her for a period of 27 long years, she was still in touch with her son, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, through secret letters. It was in 1719 when Maharani Yesubai was released by the Mughals when the Maratha Empire rose again under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath. July 4, 1719, is the date when she was released by the Mughals and the date is celebrated as the "Day of Bravery".

Another major contribution of Maharani Yesubai was the Treaty of Varanasi, which she signed in around 1730, which strengthened the unity of the Maratha Empire. Over the years, we have seen many films about Maharani Yesubai's story and contribution to the Maratha Empire. Before Rashmika Mandanna, five actresses played Maharani Yesubai in films and television shows. The actresses who have played Yesubai are Amruta Khanvilkar, Ayesha Madhukar, Mohini Potdar, Prajakta Gaikwad, and Zillu. 

What are your thoughts on Rashmika Madanna's acting performance as Maharani Yesubai in Chhaava? Let us know.

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