Mahesh Babu Rejected Chhaava: Another Blockbuster Missed?

Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal's latest film Chhaava, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna and directed by Laxman Utekar, was released on February 14 and is performing exceptionally well. The film has already grossed over ₹150 crores and is heading towards the ₹200 crore mark. However, reports suggest that the film’s story was initially offered to superstar Mahesh Babu. Director Laxman Utekar had approached Mahesh Babu for the role of Sambhaji, but he rejected the project. Later, the same script was pitched to Vicky Kaushal, who agreed to do the film.

This is not the first time Mahesh Babu has rejected films that went on to become massive hits. In the past, he turned down Ghajini directed by A.R. Murugadoss, Pushpa starring Allu Arjun, Leader featuring Rana Daggubati, and Animal with Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role. These films became major successes after being taken up by other actors.

Mahesh Babu also declined roles in several other blockbuster films, including Varsham starring Prabhas, Idiot with Ravi Teja, Nanban starring Vijay (the Tamil remake of 3 Idiots), Ye Maaya Chesave featuring Naga Chaitanya, and Jana Gana Mana, a project by director Puri Jagannadh that never took off. Despite missing out on these successful films, Mahesh Babu has continued to maintain his star power in the industry.