Chhaava Movie Review: Vicky Kaushal’s Fiery Performance in a Brutal Historical Drama

Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Divya Dutta
Duration: 161 minutes
Genre: Historical Drama, Action

Introduction

Chhaava brings to life the valiant tale of Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the legendary Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj. Directed by Laxman Utekar, this historical epic is based on Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel of the same name, attempting to carve out a separate identity for the warrior prince. However, the film’s ultra-violent tone, loud narrative, and exaggerated dramatization leave viewers both enthralled and exhausted.

Vicky Kaushal, as expected, delivers a powerhouse performance, fully immersing himself in the role. But does the film do justice to its subject? Let’s dive into a detailed breakdown.

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Plot and Narrative

The film sets its tone right from the opening sequence: an intense and blood-soaked attack on a Mughal outpost led by Sambhaji and his Maratha warriors. The camera follows him closely, emphasizing his battlefield prowess. From this moment, Chhaava establishes its identity—a relentless action drama steeped in historical conflicts, internal betrayals, and political intrigue.

The plot primarily revolves around Sambhaji’s struggle to uphold the Maratha empire against the persistent threats of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (played by Akshaye Khanna). The film depicts how Sambhaji bravely faces external enemies and internal conspiracies, particularly from his stepmother (played by Divya Dutta), who plots against him to favor her own interests.

Amidst the war sequences, Chhaava also attempts to showcase Sambhaji’s personal life, highlighting his relationship with his devoted wife, Yesubai (Rashmika Mandanna). However, her role is largely limited to being the “supportive wife,” a trend Mandanna has been repeatedly cast in, both in Bollywood and South Indian cinema.

The climax of the film, which portrays Sambhaji’s tragic fate at the hands of the Mughals, is particularly gruesome. It brings to mind The Passion of the Christ, with its excruciating torture sequences that are hard to watch. The film’s emphasis on Sambhaji’s resilience in the face of extreme brutality is both compelling and emotionally draining.

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Performance Analysis

Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj

Vicky Kaushal carries the film on his shoulders. His transformation into Sambhaji Maharaj is commendable, from his physicality to his fierce expressions. He fully embodies the warrior spirit, making the audience believe in his character’s might and struggle. His battle scenes are performed with conviction, and he shines even in the quieter, emotional moments.

Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai

While Mandanna looks graceful in her role as Yesubai, her character feels underdeveloped. She is mostly relegated to scenes of waiting for her husband’s return from battle, tending to his wounds, or offering moral support. The film misses an opportunity to explore her strength and political acumen.

Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb

Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Aurangzeb is intriguing but lacks depth. His character is depicted in an almost caricatured manner, often being referred to as ‘Aurang’ rather than his full name. While his sinister smirks and political maneuvering add weight to the story, his portrayal doesn’t match the complexity of the historical figure.

Divya Dutta as the Scheming Stepmother

Divya Dutta is effective in her role, adding layers of betrayal and internal conflict within the Maratha empire. Her performance, though predictable, adds an important element of palace intrigue.

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Direction and Execution

Laxman Utekar, known for films like Luka Chuppi and Mimi, ventures into new territory with Chhaava. While he successfully captures the grandiosity of historical warfare, his reliance on high-decibel drama and extended action sequences makes the film feel overwhelming.

The pacing is inconsistent—while some moments grip the audience, others feel unnecessarily stretched. The excessive use of slow-motion action and exaggerated battle scenes, though visually appealing, sometimes take away from the emotional impact.

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Cinematography and Action Sequences

The film’s cinematography, handled by veteran DOP Ayananka Bose, does justice to the grandeur of 17th-century Hindustan. The battlefield sequences are immersive, shot with dynamic camera angles that pull the audience into the action.

However, the violence is relentless. Heads roll, limbs are hacked off, and blood splatters fill the screen in graphic detail. While some viewers may appreciate the raw portrayal of warfare, others might find it excessive.

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Music and Background Score

The film’s music by Ajay-Atul is one of its strong points. The grand orchestral background score amplifies the tension and drama, while the songs, rooted in Marathi folk traditions, add authenticity to the historical setting.

However, the loudness of the score sometimes overpowers the dialogues, making some scenes feel melodramatic rather than impactful.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Vicky Kaushal’s intense performance
✅ Visually striking battle sequences
✅ Strong background score by Ajay-Atul
✅ Authentic period detailing and grand cinematography

Weaknesses:

❌ Over-the-top violence that may not be for everyone
❌ Weak character development for supporting cast
❌ Inconsistent pacing and excessive runtime
❌ Caricature-like portrayal of Aurangzeb

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Final Verdict: Is Chhaava Worth Watching?

At 161 minutes, Chhaava is a long and exhausting watch. The film thrives on Vicky Kaushal’s dedication and the grandeur of its battle sequences, but its ultra-loud storytelling and relentless brutality might not appeal to everyone. If you enjoy historical war dramas filled with action and larger-than-life characters, Chhaava is worth a watch. However, if you prefer a more nuanced and balanced retelling of history, this film might feel overwhelming.

⭐ Rating: 3/5 ⭐

Would you watch Chhaava for Vicky Kaushal’s performance, or does the excessive violence make you hesitant? Share your thoughts in the comments below!