Chhaava Movie Review
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Rating: 3/5
Starring: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Diana Penty, and others
Director: Laxman Utekar
Producer: Dinesh Vijan
Music: A R Rahman
Cinematography: Saurabh Goswami
Editor: Manish Pradhan
Review:
Chhaava tells the gripping story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the fearless son of Shivaji Maharaj, whose valor and resilience played a crucial role in shaping India’s history. Starring Vicky Kaushal as the protagonist, the film arrives with high anticipation. But does it do justice to the epic legacy? Let’s dive into the review.
Plot:
The movie begins with the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, an event that shakes the very foundation of the Maratha Empire. His son, Sambhaji Maharaj (played by Vicky Kaushal), steps into his father’s shoes and embarks on a fierce campaign against the Mughals. One of his major battles is an attack on the Burhanpur fort, which sends shockwaves through the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna), furious with this audacious move, decides to crush the Marathas once and for all. However, Sambhaji’s brilliance in battle proves to be a thorn in Aurangzeb’s side. A tragic betrayal leads to Sambhaji’s capture, setting the stage for a poignant tale of defiance, sacrifice, and unwavering courage.
What Works:
- Vicky Kaushal’s Performance: Vicky Kaushal shines as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. His commanding presence, emotional depth, and intense performance in the film’s final moments stand out. Kaushal’s portrayal captures the spirit of a warrior, making the film a visual treat for history enthusiasts.
- Supporting Cast: Rashmika Mandanna appears in a limited role but delivers well within her scope. Akshaye Khanna, as the formidable Aurangzeb, brings gravitas to his role, though his character could have been fleshed out more. Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, and Diana Penty play their parts effectively, adding substance to the story.
- Climactic Sequences: The emotional intensity in the climax is one of the high points, with Kaushal’s performance elevating the scenes significantly. AR Rahman’s music blends well with the narrative, adding a sense of grandeur, especially during key moments.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Pacing Issues: While the historical narrative is significant, the film’s execution feels sluggish at times. The first half feels stretched, and the pacing could have been crisper to maintain engagement. The war sequences in the second half, while dramatic, don’t quite capture the intensity that one might expect from such epic battles.
- Lack of Depth in Key Characters: While the film has a star-studded ensemble, some of the characters don’t receive the depth they deserve. For instance, while Shivaji Maharaj is a central figure, his presence is mostly felt through voiceovers, and visual depictions of him would have added emotional weight.
- Underdeveloped Antagonist: Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Aurangzeb is solid, but the character lacks the complexity needed to make him a formidable adversary. A stronger depiction of his ruthlessness would have added more depth to the film’s central conflict.
Technical Aspects:
- Direction & Screenplay: Laxman Utekar’s direction, though competent, could have benefited from a more dynamic screenplay. The storytelling feels uneven, particularly in the first half, and the lack of a tightly-knit narrative weakens the emotional core.
- Cinematography: Saurabh Goswami’s cinematography captures the grand scale of the battles and landscapes effectively, but at times, the visuals fall short of making a lasting impact. A more striking visual style could have amplified the film’s historical theme.
- Music & Editing: A R Rahman’s background score is suitably epic, enhancing the atmosphere in key moments. However, the editing could have been tighter, especially in the first half, to avoid dragging the pacing.
Final Verdict:
Chhaava is a visually grand historical drama that offers a heartfelt portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s bravery. Vicky Kaushal’s exceptional performance is the film’s biggest strength, making it worth watching for history buffs and fans of his work. However, the film’s slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and lack of a gripping screenplay prevent it from being a fully engaging experience. If you have an interest in the legacy of the Marathas, Chhaava is a movie worth considering, but for casual moviegoers, it may feel like a missed opportunity.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewed by: FilmyJosh Team