Chhaava Movie Review: Vicky Kaushal Shines as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in This Grand Epic
Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna shine in this historical epic, but an over-reliance on action and gore overshadows its emotional depth.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava brings to life the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. Played by Vicky Kaushal, Sambhaji faces off against the formidable Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, portrayed by Akshaye Khanna. The film builds up to their ultimate clash, as Aurangzeb vows to wear his crown only after defeating Sambhaji.
Based on Shivaji Sawant’s novel Chhaava, the film is grand in scale, featuring intense battle sequences, detailed period sets, and ambitious storytelling. The authenticity of costumes and props adds to its visual appeal, but the film struggles to create an emotional connection in its first half.
The film's biggest strength lies in its performances. Akshaye Khanna is menacing as Aurangzeb, and his arrival injects much-needed intensity. Vicky Kaushal fully immerses himself in the role of Sambhaji, capturing his fierce spirit and undying devotion to Swaraj. His performance truly shines in the final hour, especially during his dramatic confrontation with Akshaye.
However, Chhaava stumbles in its pacing and storytelling. The battle sequences, while visually impressive, often drag on, making the film feel repetitive. Instead of relying on extended fight scenes, the narrative could have benefited from more tension-filled dialogues and character interactions.
The female characters, while pivotal, are underutilised. Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai delivers a decent performance, though her accent is inconsistent. Diana Penty as Zeenat lacks the required menace, while Divya Dutta’s role as Soyrabai, though impactful, is too brief.
Viineet Kumar Singh as Kavi Kalash makes the most of his screen time, and the poetry woven into his character’s dialogues, co-written by Irshad Kamil, adds a lyrical touch. However, AR Rahman’s music does not leave a lasting impact, though the background score effectively heightens the film’s intensity.
Chhaava had the potential to be a moving tribute to Sambhaji Maharaj, but its excessive focus on action dilutes its emotional impact. It finds its strength in its powerful performances and a gripping final act, but inconsistent pacing and heavy-handed battle sequences hold it back. With sharper editing and a stronger emotional core, Chhaava could have been a game-changer in historical cinema.
-t-thumb.jpeg)
-t-thumb.jpeg)
