Introduction
Chhaava’ Director Laxman Utekar’s latest historical drama, ‘Chhaava’, attempts to bring to life the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant Maratha warrior and son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Starring Vicky Kaushal in the titular role and Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb, the film seeks to explore Sambhaji’s struggles, his complex relationship with his father, and his defiant resistance against the Mughal empire.
Despite a strong premise and powerful performances, ‘Chhaava’ suffers from uneven storytelling, inconsistent pacing, and a struggle to balance historical accuracy with cinematic spectacle. While Kaushal and Khanna give commendable performances, the film’s screenplay often feels fragmented, with a lack of emotional depth in key moments.
Does ‘Chhaava’ succeed in bringing the legendary Maratha warrior’s story to life, or does it fall into the trap of historical melodrama? Let’s analyze the film in detail.
Plot Overview
‘Chhaava’ follows the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, who faced immense challenges from within and outside his kingdom.
Key Plot Points:
- The film begins with Sambhaji’s early years, showcasing his upbringing under Shivaji Maharaj’s tutelage and his exposure to military strategies.
- As he grows, he grapples with court politics, betrayals, and the weight of his father’s expectations.
- After Shivaji’s death, Sambhaji must prove himself as a worthy successor while defending the empire against the relentless attacks of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
- The final act of the film depicts Sambhaji’s legendary defiance in the face of Aurangzeb’s captivity and his tragic end.
While the story has incredible potential, the film’s execution often falters, rushing through crucial moments and leaving little room for emotional depth.
Performances: Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna Stand Out
1. Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
- Kaushal delivers a powerful and commanding performance, capturing Sambhaji’s fiery spirit, intelligence, and bravery.
- His intense action sequences and stirring monologues add weight to the character, making him a compelling screen presence.
- However, the screenplay does not fully explore Sambhaji’s internal conflicts, making his portrayal feel more heroic than deeply introspective.
2. Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb
- Khanna steals the show in several scenes, portraying Aurangzeb as a cold, calculating strategist rather than a one-dimensional villain.
- His sharp dialogues and menacing screen presence make him a worthy adversary to Kaushal’s Sambhaji.
- Unfortunately, the film does not devote enough time to the ideological battle between these two titans, which could have added much-needed complexity.
3. Supporting Cast: Underutilized
- Rashmika Mandanna, playing Yesubai (Sambhaji’s wife), gets limited screen time, reducing her to a token presence rather than an active participant in the narrative.
- Other Maratha warriors and Mughal generals are given surface-level characterization, failing to make a strong impact.
While Kaushal and Khanna do their best with the material given, the lack of strong supporting characters diminishes the film’s emotional impact. 
Direction and Screenplay: A Missed Opportunity
Director Laxman Utekar, known for films like Luka Chuppi and Mimi, takes on the ambitious challenge of directing a historical war drama. While his eye for grandeur and visual storytelling is evident, the film’s screenplay fails to maintain a consistent tone.
Strengths:
✅ Well-executed action sequences: The battle scenes, especially the ones showcasing Maratha guerrilla warfare tactics, are visually impressive.
✅ Authentic production design: The costumes, fort settings, Chhaava and battlefield sequences feel immersive and historically accurate.
✅ Stirring background score: The music enhances the film’s intensity, Chhaava particularly in the war sequences and emotional confrontations.
Weaknesses:
❌ Fragmented storytelling: The film rushes through key moments, failing to explore Sambhaji’s personal dilemmas and the weight of his decisions.
❌ Inconsistent pacing: Some sections of the film feel dragged out, Chhaava while others are hurried, affecting the overall engagement.
❌ Lack of emotional depth: The father-son dynamic between Shivaji and Sambhaji is underdeveloped, missing an opportunity to add more emotional complexity.
Utekar excels in creating grand visuals, but the writing lacks the depth needed to make Sambhaji’s story resonate on a personal level.
Cinematography and Visuals: A Visual Spectacle
The cinematography by Avinash Arun is one of the film’s biggest strengths.
🎥 Majestic battle sequences: The war scenes are well-shot and engaging, particularly the nighttime ambushes and large-scale battles.
🏰 Authentic historical settings: The forts, palaces, and battlefield landscapes transport viewers to the era of the Marathas.
🌄 Dramatic lighting and color grading: The film captures the dusty battlefields, royal interiors, and war-torn landscapes beautifully.
Despite its narrative flaws, ‘Chhaava’ remains visually breathtaking, Chhaava making it worth watching for its production value alone.
Music and Background Score: Adding to the Drama
🎶 Ajay-Atul’s background score is one of the film’s strongest aspects.
- The powerful war anthems elevate the tension in battle sequences.
- Traditional Marathi folk influences blend well with orchestral arrangements, Chhaava creating an immersive soundscape.
- However, the emotional scenes lack a memorable soundtrack, Chhaava making some dramatic moments feel less impactful.
A stronger musical identity could have enhanced the film’s emotional beats and historical grandeur.
Historical Accuracy vs. Cinematic Liberties
⚔️ How Accurate is ‘Chhaava’?
- The film remains largely faithful to historical events, particularly Sambhaji’s military campaigns and his capture by Aurangzeb.
- Some artistic liberties have been taken to dramatize key moments, Chhaava but they do not significantly alter historical facts.
- However, the lack of focus on Sambhaji’s literary and intellectual contributions is a missed opportunity.
- Sambhaji was not just a warrior but also a poet and scholar, and this side of his personality is barely explored in the film.
While the battle sequences and political intrigues are well-executed, Chhaava the film fails to fully capture the depth of Sambhaji’s character.
Final Verdict: A Visually Impressive but Narratively Incomplete Epic 
Pros:
✅ Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna deliver powerful performances.
✅ Stunning visuals and authentic period detailing.
✅ Well-executed action and battle sequences.
✅ Ajay-Atul’s rousing background score enhances the film’s intensity.
Cons:
❌ Fragmented storytelling and inconsistent pacing.
❌ Underdeveloped character arcs, especially for supporting roles.
❌ Missed opportunity to explore Sambhaji’s intellectual and personal struggles.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
‘Chhaava’ is an ambitious historical film that shines in action and spectacle but struggles with depth and emotional resonance. While Vicky Kaushal’s performance as Sambhaji Maharaj is commendable, the film fails to fully explore the complexities of his legacy.
For history buffs and fans of period dramas, ‘Chhaava’ offers a grand visual experience. However, those looking for a deeply engaging and emotionally powerful narrative may find themselves yearning for more substance.
Should You Watch It?
🎭 If you enjoy historical war dramas with grand battle sequences, ‘Chhaava’ is worth a watch on the big screen.
📜 If you’re looking for a deeply introspective character study, the film may leave you wanting more.
With a stronger script and deeper character exploration, ‘Chhaava’ could have been a masterpiece. Instead, it remains a visually stunning but narratively uneven tribute to a Maratha legend. ALSO READ:- Actor-Politician Vijay Accorded ‘Y’ Scale Security Amid Rising Political Prominence 2025