From Aurangzeb to Chhatrapati: Would 'Takht' have been a career misstep for Vicky Kaushal?

When Karan Johar’s ambitious historical epic Takht was announced, the buzz was deafening. A grand Mughal drama starring Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, and more—this was supposed to be Bollywood’s answer to Game of Thrones. Among the star-studded cast, Vicky Kaushal had a particularly intriguing role: the controversial Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. But as fate would have it, Takht never saw the light of day, and perhaps, Vicky must be thanking his stars- that's what the netizens are thinking, and Redditors have a theory to discuss.

Had Takht been made and released, there’s a high possibility that it could have gone the Kalank route—overhyped, visually stunning, yet a narrative disaster, feel the netizens. Kalank, despite its grandeur, flopped at the box office, proving that aesthetics alone don’t save a film. Takht could have suffered a similar fate, especially in today’s politically charged climate, where a film celebrating Mughal history would have been a risky bet.

Vicky, who was steadily climbing the ladder with films like Uri: The Surgical Strike, might have found himself in an awkward position. Would he still have been considered to play Chhatrapati Sambhaji in Chhaava had he previously portrayed Aurangzeb? The optics could have been tricky.

Fast forward to 2025, and Vicky Kaushal is basking in the glory of Chhaava, where he embodies Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the brave Maratha warrior. The film, loaded with patriotic fervor and historical significance, has struck a chord with audiences. Unlike the risk Takht posed, Chhaava plays into themes that resonate deeply with the masses, making it a far more commercially viable and culturally appreciated project.

Vicky’s portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj is being hailed as his career-defining role, possibly putting him in the league of actors like Ranveer Singh (who immortalized Bajirao and Alauddin Khilji). It’s a role that has cemented his place in Bollywood as a bankable star.

Why was Takht shelved? The official reasons cite budget concerns, COVID-19 delays, and creative differences, but the underlying reality is different. The industry insiders whisper that the film was politically sensitive, given its portrayal of Aurangzeb, one of India’s most polarizing historical figures. Any misstep in storytelling could have led to massive controversies, protests, and ultimately, financial disaster. Karan Johar, who has faced backlash for promoting “nepotism” and being out of touch with mass audiences, perhaps realized that Takht was a battle he was not prepared to fight. Instead, he shifted his focus to safer projects.

Looking back, Takht being shelved might have been a blessing in disguise for Vicky Kaushal. He dodged a political minefield, and instead landed a role that is not only critically acclaimed but also a massive commercial success. Would Bollywood ever dare to resurrect Takht? And if it does, will Vicky still be interested?

Chhaava's glory

Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, is a historical epic based on the life of Maratha King Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The film stars Vicky Kaushal in the lead role, with Rashmika Mandanna playing Maharani Yesubai and Akshaye Khanna portraying Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

The movie has taken the box office by storm, emerging as Vicky Kaushal’s biggest opener to date. On its first two days, Chhaava grossed approximately Rs 47.25 crore worldwide, with Rs 37.25 crore from India and Rs 10 crore from overseas markets. The film continues to see strong occupancy rates, particularly in cities like Pune and Mumbai. By its third day, it had crossed the Rs 100-crore mark, solidifying its status as a major hit?. With a reported budget of Rs 130 crore, Chhaava has resonated with audiences, making it one of the biggest hits of 2025 so far?.