Vicky Kaushal Shines in a Powerful Tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Vineet Kumar Singh, Diana Penty
Director: Laxman Utekar
What’s Great: Vicky Kaushal’s commanding performance, gripping dialogues, captivating background score, intense battle sequences, detailed costumes, makeup, and production design. The cinematography effectively brings the story to life, making it a fitting tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
What’s Not: Despite strong efforts by Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna, their characters fall short in matching Vicky’s charisma. The political intrigue scenes could have been more nuanced, and the portrayal of the Mughal ministers borders on cliché.
Loo Break: The movie is too engaging to miss a moment. Save the break for the interval.
Watch or Not?: This is a must-see, especially for fans of Vicky Kaushal. Experiencing it on the big screen is highly recommended.
Language: Hindi
Available On: In theaters
Runtime: 161 minutes
In Chhaava, Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is electrifying, highlighted by the line, “Kabhi Sher Ke Chhaava Ko Kutton Ke Pilon Se Bhaagte Huye Dekha Hain?” This sums up the essence of Sambhaji’s indomitable spirit. The film captures the bravery and determination of the Maratha king, who, like his father Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, fought tirelessly for the dream of Swaraj. The film delivers this message with intensity, stirring feelings of patriotism and admiration for Sambhaji Maharaj.
The plot kicks off with the death of Shivaji Maharaj, leading the Mughals to assume the Maratha empire is vulnerable. But Sambhaji (Vicky Kaushal) steps in as a formidable opponent to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna). Alongside his battles against the Mughals, Sambhaji also faces internal betrayals and court politics, all while pursuing his father’s vision of Swaraj.
Chhaava Script Analysis
The screenplay stays focused on its central theme, avoiding unnecessary subplots or melodrama. The dialogue, especially in the climax, is impactful, leaving audiences with goosebumps. Memorable moments include Sambhaji telling Aurangzeb, “Hum Maratho Ki Taraf Aa Jao, Zindagi Badal Jayegi Aur Dharm Bhi Badalna Nahi Padega,” and Vineet Kumar Singh’s character retorting to the Mughals with, “Mera Ghosht Apne Kutton Ko Zaroor Khilana Taaki Unko Wafadari Seekhne Ko Mile.” The film emphasizes Sambhaji’s strategic prowess in war, showcasing a stunning sequence where he and his forces utilize their knowledge of the Maratha terrain to outmaneuver the Mughals.
While the portrayal of the Mughal ministers tends to be formulaic at times, and the court politics scenes could have been more developed, the film’s strengths—particularly the performances and technical excellence—largely overshadow these shortcomings.
Chhaava Star Performance
Vicky Kaushal delivers a powerful performance as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, embodying the character’s bravery, sacrifice, and leadership with conviction. His emotional scenes and intense battle sequences, especially the torture scene in the climax, are some of the movie’s highlights. Vicky’s performance elevates the entire film, making him the heart and soul of Chhaava.
Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna, though dedicated to their roles, don’t quite match Vicky’s larger-than-life presence. Akshaye’s portrayal of Aurangzeb lacks the malevolence one would expect, but he shines in the closing moments where we see the complexity of his character. Rashmika’s character grows stronger in the second half, as she becomes a steadfast support for Sambhaji. Among the supporting cast, Vineet Kumar Singh stands out with a commanding performance and some of the film’s best lines. Ashutosh Rana is fierce and memorable in his brief role, while Diana Penty’s character, unfortunately, feels underutilized and lacks depth.
Direction & Music
One of Chhaava’s strongest aspects is its technical finesse. The battle scenes are visually striking, with a seamless blend of nature, tactical warfare, and historical accuracy. The costumes, production design, and background score elevate the overall experience. AR Rahman’s music, particularly the title track “Aya Re Toofan,” adds grandeur to the film.
Final Verdict
Vicky Kaushal’s dedication and hard work shine through in Chhaava, which pays a stirring tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The film is an emotional and visually stunning experience that deserves to be seen on the big screen. A compelling portrayal of bravery and sacrifice, this is a film you shouldn’t miss.
