February 16, 2025: Historical films are a tricky business. They demand a delicate balance between fact and fiction, entertainment and education, spectacle and subtlety. “Chhaava,” directed by Laxman Utekar, attempts to bring the life of Sambhaji Maharaj—the fierce yet lesser-known son of Chhatrapati Shivaji—to the big screen. However, the real question is: Does it deliver a compelling history lesson, or does it succumb to the modern wave of hyper-nationalistic storytelling?
Chhaava Storyline: A Warrior’s Journey
The film opens with a dramatic Maratha raid on a Mughal settlement, immediately establishing Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal) as a fearless leader. As he battles the enemy, his softer side is revealed when he rescues a child caught in the chaos—a moment that foreshadows a later, tragic parallel.
Sambhaji, determined to uphold his father’s legacy, faces challenges from both external and internal enemies. While Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna) persistently attempts to crush the Maratha resistance, Sambhaji must also contend with betrayal within his ranks, including a scheming stepmother (Divya Dutta) and political unrest among his own people.
The film delves into his complex relationship with his wife (Rashmika Mandanna), who provides him with unwavering support amid the turmoil. Through numerous battles, shifting alliances, and moments of personal sacrifice, Sambhaji’s journey is one of resilience and devotion to the idea of Swaraj.
However, Chhaava climax takes a darker turn as he is eventually captured by Aurangzeb’s forces. The prolonged scenes of his torture and eventual execution highlight the brutal lengths to which the Mughal emperor went to silence his rival. His death, while harrowing, cements his place as a martyr in Maratha history.
The Highs: Vicky Kaushal’s Commanding Performance & Cinematic Brilliance in Chhaava
If there’s one reason to sit through the intense 161-minute runtime, it’s Vicky Kaushal. He fully transforms into Sambhaji, exuding strength, vulnerability, and raw power. Whether he’s swinging swords in battle or pleading for Swaraj, Kaushal’s conviction is undeniable. His physicality and emotional depth anchor the film, making it one of his most impressive performances yet.
The battle sequences are another highlight. Chhaava thrives in its grand set pieces—whether it’s the Maratha warriors ambushing Mughals from treetops or an intense palace battle soaked in blood. The cinematography captures the vast landscapes of war-torn Hindustan beautifully, and the action choreography ensures each sword swing leaves an impact.
The supporting cast, especially Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb, delivers powerful performances. Khanna, buried under layers of prosthetics, manages to craft a menacing yet layered antagonist. His deadpan humor in the midst of cruelty adds depth to his portrayal of the infamous Mughal emperor.
The Lows: One-Sided Narrative & Historical Simplifications
While Chhaava successfully portrays the grandeur of Sambhaji’s reign, it falls into the same trap as many recent historical epics: a lack of nuance. The Marathas are depicted as righteous warriors, while the Mughals—especially Aurangzeb—are reduced to near-caricatured villains. This black-and-white storytelling simplifies the complexities of history, making it feel more like a political statement than a balanced retelling.
The repeated use of the term ‘Swaraj’ aligns Sambhaji’s struggle with India’s later fight for independence, framing the narrative in a way that caters to contemporary nationalist sentiment. While it’s true that Sambhaji fought to preserve his father’s empire, the film seems more interested in reinforcing modern ideologies rather than diving into the intricacies of his rule.
The violence is another aspect that grows excessive. Sambhaji’s brutal execution by Aurangzeb is a historical fact, but the drawn-out torture sequences feel more like ‘shock cinema’ than necessary storytelling. It recalls Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ where suffering is stretched to an unbearable length, seemingly for the sake of emotional manipulation.
Final Review: A Visually Stunning Yet Questionable Retelling
Chhaava is undoubtedly a cinematic spectacle, powered by a phenomenal Vicky Kaushal and breathtaking battle sequences. However, its tendency to paint history with broad strokes and its relentless brutality might not sit well with all audiences. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed war drama, this film delivers. But if you seek a nuanced historical depiction, you may leave the theater with more questions than answers.
Rating: 3.5/5