Chhaava Review: A stirring tribute to one of the greatest warriors Sambhaji Maharaj
Chhaava Movie Rating: 3.5 Stars
Watched Chhaava movie in Hindi in Cinema. Let’s focus on the complete details, story, positive/negatives and at last my personal view on this movie.
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh and Diana Penty
Director: Laxman Utekar
Release Date: 14th February 2025 in cinema
Story: Movie is an adaptation of the Marathi novel Chhava by Shivaji Sawant which is based on the life of Sambhaji who the second ruler of the Maratha Confederacy was. Story begins in 1680, following the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a moment of great relief for Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna) and his Mughal court who view his passing as an opportunity to conquer the Deccan.
They get the shock of their life when Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal), the brave son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj attacks Burhanpur and loots the treasury. Aurangzeb swears revenge and initiates a vast military campaign to crush them. Meanwhile, Sambhaji is warmly welcomed home by his wife Yesubai (Rashmika Mandanna) while factional intrigue grows within the Maratha court with conspirators attempting to install Rajaram, Sambhaji’s stepbrother as ruler by his stepmother Soyarabai (Divya Dutta).
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj knows that Aurangzeb will retaliate and hence, makes arrangements. But unknown to him, the politics within the family also make things easier for Aurangzeb to defeat the Maharaj. The rest of the story revolves around Aurangzeb plotting a way to catch hold of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and torturing him to death in the most brutal way possible.
Positives
1. Performances
2. Cinematography
3. Background Music
4. Direction
5. 2nd half
6. Climax
7. Dialogues
Negatives
1. Length
2. 1st half
3. Unnecessary Subplots
4. Songs
Durgesh Tiwary’s View: When I watched the trailer of this film planned to watch this movie in Hindi in cinemas on release day as loved the trailer and big fan of untold historical warriors. The death of the mighty Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who founded and led the Maratha empire to its undefeated glory relieved the Mughals. Little did they know they would now be entering the tiger’s den by facing Shivaji’s valiant son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, if they wished to expand their empire in the deccan.
Chhaava is a gripping period action epic that sweeps you into the turbulent times of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. From its first breathtaking moments to its emotional finale, the film weaves together intense action, emotional depth, and historical grandeur in a way that leaves a lasting impression. This isn’t just a period drama; it’s a powerful story of bravery, strategy, and sacrifice that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The action sequences are nothing short of spectacular. From intricate ambushes to large-scale battlefield clashes, the film’s choreography is stunning. But what sets apart is the focus on strategy over brute strength. The Marathas, with a small army of 25,000, outwit the far larger Mughal forces using guerrilla tactics and cunning warfare. The cleverness of their strategy is celebrated throughout, with each battle sequence showcasing tactical brilliance. These moments are not just visually impressive but serve as a testament to the intelligence and determination of the Maratha warriors. It is not just about action; it’s about emotional depth. One of the most gut-wrenching moments occurs when Sambhaji faces unimaginable torture at the hands of Aurangzeb. The raw emotional weight of this scene is crushing. It’s a pivotal moment where the king is broken, not by physical pain, but by the betrayal and emotional toll of his journey. This scene, in its brutality, leaves a profound impact on the viewer, as you witness the mental and emotional destruction of a once indomitable spirit.
Vicky Kaushal delivers an electrifying performance as the Maratha king, Sambhaji. The film’s emotional climax, where Kaushal’s performance reaches a devastating crescendo, will leave you in awe. He doesn’t just play the warrior; he embodies the spirit of Sambhaji with every ounce of passion, making it one of his career-defining roles. Actor Vineet Kumar Singh is a great casting choice to play Kavi Kalash. His conversation with Vicky gives the film some of its best scenes. Their bond is beautifully captured in a heart-wrenching scene where they engage in a poetry competition while imprisoned and awaiting their grim fate. It is a cinematic triumph that blends historical grandeur with modern filmmaking. Utekar’s direction ensures that every frame is visually stunning while balancing moments of intense action with emotional depth. The film doesn’t just recreate history; it immerses the viewer in it, honoring the sacrifices and courage of warriors who fought for freedom and sovereignty.
While the story holds immense historical significance, its execution needed more finesse. Laxman Utekar’s direction is competent, but the screenplay could have been sharper to maintain consistent engagement. The film starts off with promise and a grand slowmo entry, but the first half lacks an engaging story beyond the obvious reverence. It feels like a collage of action sequences and songs. The internal betrayals and conspiracies deserved a stronger emotional buildup, which could have elevated the narrative further. Despite a rich ensemble of characters, only a few are given the depth they deserve. The women don’t get as much screen space. The immensely talented Divya Dutta as Maharani Soyarabai has a powerful presence and deserved a meatier role. Rashmika Mandanna looks the part but struggles to get her language, accent and emotions right. Diana Penty turns out to be the biggest disappointment. She barely gets to speak but when she does, her stone-faced performance distracts you from the most intense scenes. While this means that the story is interesting, the treatment is a mixed bag. First half of this film is rather erratic and at times, even confusing. In fact, in between it also turns boring when nothing really moves and the in-house issues within Sambhaji’s family starts taking centerstage. The interval point is also all of a sudden. However for those who can take such violence on screen, it would make for an arresting watch. Hence, there may be polarized reactions.
Overall, movie is as much about history as it is about heroism, sacrifice, and the spirit of Swaraj. With gripping storytelling, magnificent direction, and a stellar cast, it’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates powerful cinema that tells an untold story with grandeur and heart. Despite its flaws in sound design, song quality, and pacing, the film is bolstered by its lead performances, especially Vicky Kaushal’s, and also its breathtaking action and terrific presentation. It’s a film that demands to be seen on the big screen. My view on this movie Highly Recommended.
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