Divya Dutta Defends Rashmika Mandanna Amid ‘Chhaava’ Criticism

Despite mixed reviews of Rashmika’s portrayal of Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale, co-star Divya Dutta praises her talent and dedication.

The historical drama “Chhaava,” featuring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has achieved significant box office success since its release on February 14, 2025. However, Rashmika’s portrayal of Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale has faced criticism from some viewers. In response, co-star Divya Dutta, who plays Rajmata Soyrabai Bhosale in the film, has come forward to support Rashmika.

In an interview with India Today Digital, Divya Dutta described Rashmika as an “incredible actor,” highlighting her captivating kohl-rimmed eyes in certain scenes. She emphasized Rashmika’s track record of delivering multiple hits, indicating her strong connection with audiences. Divya also praised Rashmika’s dedication and genuine nature, stating, “Mujhe toh bahut pyaari lagti hai (I find her adorable).”

Addressing the varied audience reactions to Rashmika’s performance, Divya acknowledged that differing opinions are natural. She noted that while some viewers might have desired a longer role for Rashmika, others appreciated her presence in the film. Divya stressed that all actors, including Rashmika, gave their best efforts, and the film’s success is what truly matters. “Whether it’s for me or Rashmika, we gave our best, others did their part, and now the audience is doing theirs,” she added.
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“Chhaava,” directed by Laxman Utekar, boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Neil Bhoopalam, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Diana Penty. The film’s music is composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman, with cinematography by Saurabh Goswami and editing by Manish Pradhan. Within eight days of its release, “Chhaava” has amassed nearly ₹338 crore worldwide, solidifying its status as one of the year’s biggest blockbusters.

Despite the criticism directed at Rashmika Mandanna’s role, the overwhelming success of “Chhaava” underscores the film’s widespread audience appeal.