Chhaava

About The Movie:

A historical drama based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Critics Review :Inspired by Shivaji Sawant's Marathi novel Chhaava (Lion’s Cub), this historical epic brings to light the extraordinary courage of Sambhaji Maharaj (portrayed by Vicky Kaushal)—a warrior whose legacy often remains overshadowed in mainstream history. More than just the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, he was a fearless ruler who defied the Mughals for nine relentless years, only to be betrayed by his own men, captured, and subjected to a brutal execution by Aurangzeb (played by Akshaye Khanna). The film seeks to honor his unyielding spirit, exploring why he was both revered by his people and dreaded by his enemies.
Still grappling with the loss of his father, Sambhaji, along with Sersenapati Hambirrao Mohite (played by Ashutosh Rana), executed a daring raid on the Mughal stronghold of Burhanpur, catching the enemy off guard. Over the following nine years, he became the biggest obstacle to the Mughal Empire’s expansion, consistently outmaneuvering them in battle. Despite enduring betrayal at the hands of his own people, he never wavered in his commitment to Swaraj. Even in the face of captivity and unimaginable torment, his warrior spirit remained unbroken.
Director Laxman Utekar presents this grand historical on an epic scale, crafting a visually stunning spectacle. The film opens with an impressive slow-motion entry scene, setting the stage for a larger-than-life narrative. However, the first half struggles to maintain engagement beyond hero worship, often feeling like a montage of action sequences and musical interludes rather than a deeply immersive story. Character arcs and world-building take a backseat, leaving the audience yearning for a stronger emotional connection to the unfolding events.
A.R. Rahman’s soundtrack plays a pivotal role in shaping the film’s tone, but not always in the best way. The war anthem Aaya Re Toofan, with its pulsating Nashik dhol beats, is a standout, perfectly encapsulating the battle fervor. However, most other tracks feel disconnected from the historical setting. The romantic ballad Jaane Tu is melodious on its own, but its modern composition clashes with the film’s period atmosphere—much like placing a grand piano in a Maratha court. It’s hard not to wonder if composers Ajay-Atul would have been a more fitting choice for this genre.
It is in the second half that Chhaava truly finds its soul. The narrative gains momentum, the emotions hit harder, and the tension reaches its peak, culminating in a breathtaking climax where Sambhaji stands his ground against overwhelming Mughal forces. The action choreography is gripping, and the final showdown is nothing short of cinematic brilliance. The dialogue packs a punch, with lines like "Kuttay ke pillon ke aanese, sher ka baccha nahi bhaag jata", adding weight to the drama. This portion of the film alone makes it a must-watch on the big screen.
At its core, Chhaava belongs to Vicky Kaushal, who delivers a career-defining performance. He completely embodies the fierce, rebellious, and unbreakable spirit of Sambhaji Maharaj, commanding the screen with every roar and battle cry. His intensity, physical transformation, and sheer emotional depth make this portrayal one of his finest yet. Akshaye Khanna delivers sharp one-liners with remarkable restraint, though his heavily stylized look feels a bit excessive. Vineet Kumar Singh as Kavi Kalash is an excellent casting choice, and his exchanges with Vicky create some of the film’s most impactful moments.
Unfortunately, the female characters don’t get the screen time they deserve. Divya Dutta, as Maharani Soyarabai, leaves a strong impression but is underutilized. Rashmika Mandanna looks the part but struggles with her accent and emotional depth. The biggest letdown is Diana Penty, whose stiff performance disrupts crucial dramatic sequences.
Despite its flaws, Chhaava redeems itself with an unforgettable climax. Vicky Kaushal brings Sambhaji Maharaj’s unbreakable spirit to life, embodying his unwavering fight for Swaraj as if it were his very essence. The film could have benefited from a more immersive story rather than relying so heavily on its soundtrack, but its powerful finale ensures it leaves a lasting impact.

Cast:

Rashmika Mandanna, Vicky Kaushal, Diana Penty

Director:

Laxman Utekar