Chhaava Review: Vicky Shines as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Introduction
Chhaava (translated as “lion’s cub”) is a gripping historical action drama that brings to life the bravery and sacrifice of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film stars Vicky Kaushal in the lead role, with Rashmika Mandanna portraying Maharani Yesubai and Akshaye Khanna stepping into the shoes of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Inspired by Shivaji Sawant’s acclaimed Marathi novel Chhava, the movie delves into the years 1680–1689, a period marked by relentless battles and political turmoil.
Plot Summary
The story begins in 1680, following the demise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His passing is seen as an opportunity by Aurangzeb and the Mughal empire to tighten their grip on the Deccan. However, their plans are disrupted when Sambhaji, Shivaji’s fearless son, leads a daring attack on Burhanpur, seizing the Mughal treasury. This bold move sets off a chain of intense confrontations, with Sambhaji bracing for Aurangzeb’s retaliation. Meanwhile, internal betrayals within the Maratha court further complicate his fight, turning his struggle into one of both war and survival.
Performance and Characterization
Vicky Kaushal delivers a powerhouse performance, embodying Sambhaji’s physical might and warrior spirit. While his action sequences are enthralling, the film misses an opportunity to explore the king’s intellectual and diplomatic side. Sambhaji was not only a fearless fighter but also a scholar and linguist, fluent in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Persian, and even English. However, these aspects of his character receive little attention in the screenplay.
Rashmika Mandanna gracefully portrays Yesubai, conveying quiet strength and resilience. Though her emotional depth adds weight to the narrative, the film does not give her enough space to shine. Akshaye Khanna, buried under heavy prosthetics, delivers a menacing yet somewhat exaggerated portrayal of Aurangzeb. Vineet Kumar Singh stands out as Kavi Kalash, Sambhaji’s trusted ally, with their friendship adding emotional depth to the story.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Laxman Utekar excels in staging grand battle sequences and high-energy confrontations, but the film falters in fully fleshing out Sambhaji’s multifaceted personality. The screenplay focuses on action and warfare, neglecting deeper themes like governance, poetry, and strategy.
Saurabh Goswami’s cinematography captures the grandeur of Maratha warfare, while Manish Pradhan’s editing maintains a steady pace, especially in the action-heavy second half. A.R. Rahman’s background score is impactful, but certain modern musical elements—like electric guitar riffs—feel out of place in a historical setting.
Historical Accuracy and Controversy
The film has sparked debates over its historical accuracy. A particular scene showing Sambhaji dancing raised eyebrows, with critics arguing that it misrepresents the warrior’s personality. Furthermore, the absence of references to ‘Hindavi Swarajya’ in key dialogues has led to concerns among history enthusiasts. Maharashtra’s Minister of Marathi Language, Uday Samant, even demanded that the film be reviewed by experts before its release to ensure authenticity. (Source)
Final Verdict
Chhaava delivers on action and intensity, driven by Vicky Kaushal’s committed performance. However, it falls short in presenting a well-rounded picture of Sambhaji Maharaj, reducing his legacy to just battlefield heroics. While the film pays tribute to his courage, it misses the chance to showcase the depth of his leadership, intellect, and vision.
NICE MOVIE