Movie Name: Chhaava
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Vineet Kumar Singh, Diana Penty
Writers: Laxman Utekar, Rishi Virmani, Kaustubh Savarkar, Unman Bankar, Omkar Mahajan
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Chhaava Review : Plot Summary
Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, chronicles the inspiring yet tragic life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal), the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The film opens with the Maratha army’s victory at Burhanpur and follows the brewing conflict as the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna) plots Sambhaji’s capture and brutal death.
Rashmika Mandanna plays Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale, Sambhaji’s devoted wife, while Divya Dutta portrays Rajmata Soyarabai Bhosale. With a backdrop of political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and relentless warfare, Chhaava brings to life a legendary chapter of Maratha history.
What Works in Chhaava?
Vicky Kaushal is the heartbeat of Chhaava, delivering a towering, career-defining performance. His physical transformation, regal demeanor, and emotional depth make Sambhaji Maharaj’s struggle and bravery palpably real.
The action choreography is another major highlight. The epic battle sequences are visually spectacular, capturing the brutality and grandeur of the era with raw intensity.
Laxman Utekar’s direction handles the historical subject matter with reverence and sincerity, elevating the film beyond mere biopic territory into an emotional and visual tribute.
The cinematography is outstanding, painting rich, sweeping frames of the Maratha forts, battlefields, and palatial interiors, while the 50-minute-long climax is particularly brutal, moving, and unforgettable — a fitting culmination to Sambhaji’s heroic tale.
What Doesn’t Work in Chhaava?
Despite its many strengths, Chhaava isn’t without flaws.
The background score, intended to heighten drama, often feels overbearing and distracts from the narrative’s natural intensity. The songs, while serviceable, lack staying power and do not elevate key moments.
Editing could have been tighter. Some mid-portion scenes feel dragged, slowing down the otherwise compelling momentum.
The screenplay, though respectful and grand, could have used more emotional punch and rousing moments to fully capture the depth of Sambhaji’s sacrifice.
Rashmika Mandanna, despite her screen presence, struggles with dialogue delivery, occasionally making emotional scenes feel rehearsed rather than organic.
Lastly, visual effects — especially in some key battle sequences — fall short of expectations for a film of this scale.
Performances in Chhaava
- Vicky Kaushal is exceptional, embodying the pride, pain, and resilience of Sambhaji Maharaj with fierce authenticity.
- Akshaye Khanna is chillingly effective as Aurangzeb, exuding menace and authority with ease.
- Rashmika Mandanna adds grace but struggles to match the emotional heft required for her role.
- Ashutosh Rana, Vineet Kumar Singh, Diana Penty, and other supporting actors bring solid performances, adding depth and credibility to the grand narrative.
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Final Verdict: Should You Watch Chhaava?
Chhaava is a powerful, emotional historical drama that honors the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Despite flaws in pacing, background score, and visual effects, the film’s gripping storytelling, breathtaking action, and phenomenal lead performance by Vicky Kaushal make it a must-watch — especially on the big screen.
Viewers should note that the film contains brutal sequences that may not be suitable for the faint-hearted.
If you admire historical epics, compelling performances, and stories of indomitable courage, Chhaava deserves a place on your watchlist.
