Laxman Utekar’s ‘Chhaava’, starring Vicky Kaushal, attempts to bring to life the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Shivaji Maharaj. Kaushal commits to the role, throwing himself into battle scenes with a visible intensity. However, despite the actor’s dedication, the film struggles to balance historical fact with dramatic licence, leaving the viewer questioning the authenticity of the narrative. The story follows Sambhaji’s clashes with the Mughals, his leadership, and the betrayals he faces, culminating in his capture and execution. While the film aims for a grand, larger-than-life portrayal, it often falls short due to inconsistencies in its storytelling, getting repetitive, and dragging in many portions, with an over-reliance on loud, violent action.
The film’s initial promise fades as it progresses, with the tension and suspense dissipating, resembling a movie trailer rather than a cohesive narrative. A.R. Rahman’s music, while occasionally impactful, frequently overwhelms the story, with contemporary-sounding songs feeling out of place in the historical setting. The second half fares better, becoming more gripping and emotionally resonant, particularly during the climax where Sambhaji fights the Mughals single-handedly. This segment is visually impressive and provides a much-needed surge of energy to the film.
Kaushal delivers a performance filled with rage and passion, fully embodying Sambhaji’s warrior spirit. Akshaye Khanna, as Aurangzeb, offers an understated yet effective portrayal, while Vineet Kumar Singh shines as Kavi Kalash. However, the female characters are underserved; Divya Dutta’s role as Maharani Soyarabai feels underwritten, and while Rashmika Mandanna looks the part of Maharani Yesubai Bhosle, she struggles with her accent and emotional delivery. Diana Penty’s brief appearance is also a disappointment. The cinematography is functional but lacks a distinctive visual style. The editing could be tighter, particularly in the first half, to improve the film’s pacing.
Overall, ‘Chhaava’ is a watchable historical action drama, elevated by Vicky Kaushal’s committed performance and a thrilling climax. However, its slow pace, excessive length, and uneven storytelling prevent it from achieving its full potential. The film’s excellence lies in its climax, but the journey to get there is marred by inconsistencies and a lack of subtlety. ‘Chhaava’ blends history, emotions, and action but does so with mixed results. It is a passable watch for general audiences but may resonate more deeply with those who revere the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj.