Chhaava Story :-
The death of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder and leader of the undefeated Maratha Empire, brought relief to the Mughals. However, they were unaware that their victory would soon lead them straight into the heart of danger, as they now had to contend with Shivaji’s courageous son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, if they hoped to expand their empire in the Deccan.
Chhaava Release Date, Trailor, Songs, Cast :-
| Release Date | 14 February 2025 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Action, Drama, History |
| Duration | 2h 41min |
| Cast | Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Vineet Kumar Singh, Divya Dutta, Pradeep Singh Rawat, Pravin Manjarekar, Neil Bhoopalam, Santosh Juvekar |
| Director | Laxman Utekar |
| Writer | Rishi Virmani |
| Cinematography | Saurabh Goswami |
| Music | A.R. Rahman |
| Producer | Dinesh Vijan |
| Production | Maddock Films |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Chhaava Review :-
Based on Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel, Chhaava (lion’s cub) seeks to honor the bravery of Shambhu Raje (Sambhaji Maharaj, portrayed by Vicky Kaushal), a figure whose courage is often overlooked in history books. The film delves deeper into his legacy, showing that he was much more than just Shivaji’s son, betrayed by his own men, captured, and brutally executed by Aurangzeb (played by Akshaye Khanna). It highlights why Sambhaji was not only revered by his people but also feared by his enemies during the nine years he ruled the Maratha empire.
Still mourning the loss of his father, Sambhaji, alongside Sersenapati Hambirrao Mohite (played by Ashutosh Rana), launched an audacious attack on the Mughal stronghold of Burhanpur, right under their noses. For the next nine years, Sambhaji thwarted the Mughals’ expansion plans, becoming a constant thorn in their side. His bravery and resilience overcame the betrayals from his own people, until he was finally ambushed and captured in Sangameshwar. Yet, even in the face of his brutal execution, his warrior spirit and unwavering fight for Swaraj remained unbroken.
Director Laxman Utekar creates a sweeping historical epic, giving the film the grand, larger-than-life appeal it deserves. The movie begins with promise, featuring a dramatic slow-motion entry, but the first half struggles to engage beyond the obvious reverence for its subject. It often feels like a collection of action sequences and songs, lacking the tension or sense of discovery that would have made the unfolding events more compelling. AR Rahman’s songs and background score drive the film’s mood, often overshadowing the narrative and dialogue. While the legendary composer’s Aaya re toofan (the war cry) stands out with its vibrant Maharashtrian Nashik Dhol Tasha, other tracks fail to complement the film’s setting and theme. The romantic number Jaane Tu is beautiful on its own but feels jarring in the context of the movie, as its contemporary sound clashes with the period setting. The piano, for example, doesn’t quite fit with the traditional paithani. One can’t help but wonder if Ajay Atul would have been a better choice for this story.
The film truly comes alive in the second half, where Chhaava becomes gripping and intense. The pace picks up, the emotions hit the right notes, and the tension builds to an outstanding climax, where Sambhaji battles the Mughals single-handedly. “Kuttay ke pillon se, sher ka baccha nahi bhaag jata.” The writing elevates the drama and fierce spirit of the story. The fight sequences are expertly choreographed and executed, with the final portion of the movie beautifully shot, making it a sequence that deserves to be experienced on the big screen.
Ultimately, Chhaava belongs to Vicky Kaushal, who gives his all to the titular role. He taps into a deep well of inner fury, fully embracing his rudra avatar, and roars like a tiger in every scene, effortlessly commanding your full attention. This is undoubtedly one of his finest performances to date, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else pulling it off as powerfully as he does. Akshaye Khanna delivers with sharp one-liners, bringing a refreshing understatedness to his role, even though his makeup and prosthetics are noticeably dramatic. Vineet Kumar Singh is also an excellent choice for the role of Kavi Kalash. His interactions with Vicky Kaushal provide some of the film’s most memorable and impactful moments.
Chhaava Trailor :-
The female characters don’t receive as much screen time. The incredibly talented Divya Dutta, playing Maharani Soyarabai, commands a powerful presence and deserved a more substantial role. Rashmika Mandanna looks the part but struggles to capture the right language, accent, and emotional depth. Diana Penty, unfortunately, is the biggest letdown. She has very little dialogue, but when she does speak, her stone-faced performance detracts from some of the film’s most intense moments.
Final Thought
Chhaava truly shines in its gripping second half and spectacular climax. Vicky Kaushal is breathtaking, embodying Sambhaji Maharaj’s courage and unwavering passion for Swaraj as if it were second nature. The only thing that holds the film back is its over-reliance on Rahman’s music, which often feels out of place. You can’t help but wish the film had leaned more on its strong story than the music to drive its impact.
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