A Grand Vision with Uneven Execution
Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava brings the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to life with an impressive scale, intense performances, and high production values. However, despite its visual grandeur, the film falters in its storytelling, struggling to create an emotional connection in the first half.
The Story & Setting
Based on Shivaji Sawant’s novel Chhaava, the film traces the journey of Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal), the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire, as he resists the expansionist ambitions of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna). The narrative revolves around their intense rivalry, with Aurangzeb vowing to reclaim his crown only after defeating Sambhaji. While the historical backdrop is rich, the screenplay takes time to build momentum, delaying the emotional impact.
Strengths & Weaknesses
The first half of Chhaava is visually stunning but emotionally hollow. Battles rage, war cries echo, and the cinematography captures grand frames, yet the connection with the characters feels distant. The film truly comes alive only in the latter half, where the stakes become clearer, and the confrontations gain depth.
Vicky Kaushal is the heart of Chhaava, delivering a performance brimming with intensity and conviction. His transformation into Sambhaji Maharaj is commendable, especially in the film’s final hour. Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb is a standout, exuding menace with a controlled yet powerful presence. His cold, calculating demeanor adds weight to the film.
Among the supporting cast, Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai gets limited screen time but performs well. Diana Penty’s Zeenat lacks the needed edge, and Divya Dutta’s Soyrabai, though impactful, is underutilized. Viineet Kumar Singh as Kavi Kalash shines in his limited role, with poetic dialogues that add some much-needed depth.
Technical Aspects
The film boasts impressive production design and detailed period costumes. The prosthetic work on Akshaye Khanna enhances his character’s aged, war-worn appearance. However, Chhaava leans too much on prolonged action sequences, often overshadowing moments of strategic tension that could have elevated the storytelling.
AR Rahman’s music surprisingly does not leave a lasting impact, though the background score helps maintain the film’s dramatic tone. Editing remains a major flaw, as certain sequences feel unnecessarily stretched.
Final Verdict
Chhaava had the potential to be a gripping historical epic but stumbles due to uneven pacing and an over-reliance on spectacle over substance. The film shines in its performances, particularly through Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna, but falls short in creating an immersive, emotionally engaging experience. While it delivers some powerful moments, it ultimately remains a missed opportunity to craft a truly unforgettable biopic.
