Chhaava is a historical action-drama that tells the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the brave Maratha king and son of the great Shivaji Maharaj. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the movie stars Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji, Rashmika Mandanna as his wife Yesubai, and Akshay Khanna as Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The film tries to showcase the journey of a strong and fearless warrior who fought for his people and his kingdom until his last breath.
Story and Plot
The story begins after the death of Shivaji Maharaj. His son, Sambhaji, takes charge of the Maratha Empire, but he doesn’t just inherit a kingdom — he inherits responsibilities, enemies, and expectations. The film shows how Sambhaji tries to protect his land from the mighty Mughals, especially Aurangzeb, who wants to crush the Marathas and rule all of India. Throughout the movie, we see how Sambhaji faces betrayal, loss, and pressure from both friends and enemies. He remains determined to fight against injustice, even if it means giving up his happiness. His wife, Yesubai, stands by him like a pillar, supporting him through personal and political struggles.
Acting and Performances
Vicky Kaushal has once again proven that he is one of the best actors of his generation. His portrayal of Sambhaji is bold, emotional, and inspiring. He shows the warrior side of Sambhaji in battle scenes and also his emotional side in personal moments. The transformation he goes through from a young prince to a strong king is shown beautifully.
Rashmika Mandanna, as Yesubai, brings grace and strength to the screen. Though she doesn’t have a lot of scenes, her role is impactful. She plays the perfect partner to Sambhaji — calm, smart, and powerful in her way.
Akshaye Khanna, as Aurangzeb, plays a quiet but intense villain. His cold expressions and smart strategies make him a strong enemy. He doesn’t shout or scream but controls scenes with his presence.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Laxman Utekar tries to make a film that not only entertains but also teaches history. The attention to detail is impressive — from costumes and weapons to the design of forts and palaces. The battle scenes are grand and well shot, especially the ones showing the guerrilla warfare used by the Marathas.
However, the first half of the movie feels a bit slow. There are too many scenes that stretch out without moving the story forward. The second half picks up the pace, and that’s where the emotional and heroic scenes begin to hit harder.
The cinematography (camera work) is beautiful. The wide shots of mountains, battlefields, and palaces transport the viewer into 17th-century India.
Music and Background Score
The music in Chhaava is powerful, especially in battle scenes and emotional moments. However, none of the songs stay in your mind after the film is over. The background score sometimes becomes too loud, especially during serious scenes, making it hard to focus on the dialogue.
Strengths of the Movie
- Vicky Kaushal’s Performance: He shines throughout the film and carries the entire story on his shoulders.
- Historical Storyline: The film introduces many people to the lesser-known but brave story of Sambhaji Maharaj.
- Strong Visuals and Sets: The costumes, locations, and battle sequences look grand and realistic.
- Emotional Depth: The bond between Sambhaji and Yesubai is beautifully shown, as is the father-son legacy.
Weaknesses of the Movie
- Slow First Half: The film takes time to get to the real action and drama.
- No Memorable Music: The songs and background music, while fitting, are not as impactful as expected for such a big film.
Final Thoughts
Chhaava is a bold attempt to bring the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to the big screen. It is not just a war film — it is about loyalty, sacrifice, and courage. Vicky Kaushal gives one of his best performances, and the film is worth watching for his acting alone. While the movie has some slow parts and misses out on deeper storytelling, it still manages to deliver a strong message of bravery and patriotism.
If you enjoy historical films or want to know more about the Maratha empire and its unsung hero, Chhaava is a good watch. It may not be perfect, but it is honest and filled with pride for Indian history.
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