DIRECTED BY: Laxman Utekar
PRODUCED BY: Dinesh Vijan
CAST: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh, Diana Penty and more
MUSIC BY: A. R. Rahman
RATING: 3.5/5 Tejal Sinha
Plot
Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, is a historical action drama that chronicles the tumultuous reign of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Set between 1680 and 1689, the film follows Sambhaji (Vicky Kaushal) as he takes charge of the Maratha empire after his father’s passing. His daring raid on Burhanpur, where he loots the Mughal treasury, sets the stage for an intense conflict with Emperor Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna). However, beyond the battlefield, Sambhaji faces internal betrayal, particularly from his stepmother Soyarabai (Divya Dutta), who schemes to remove him from power. The film navigates his unyielding resistance against Mughal expansion, his bond with his loyal friend and poet Kavi Kalash (Vineet Kumar Singh), and his unwavering defiance in the face of brutal captivity and execution.
Analysis
While Chhaava delivers thrilling battle sequences and high-stakes drama, it focuses primarily on Sambhaji’s military prowess, often sidelining other crucial aspects of his life. The film briefly touches upon his intellect—his fluency in multiple languages and his poetic abilities—but these elements are not explored in depth. Utekar’s direction excels in crafting a gripping war narrative, yet it does not delve into the internal conflicts within the Maratha empire or the political chess game that defined Sambhaji’s rule. The father-son dynamic between Shivaji and Sambhaji, which could have added emotional depth, is largely absent. The screenplay prioritizes action over character development, making the film an exhilarating but somewhat one-dimensional historical account.
Highlights
One of the film’s standout moments is the depiction of Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash’s friendship. A particularly poignant scene features them engaging in a poetry duel while imprisoned, a reminder of their shared intellectual bond despite their impending fate. The film also does justice to Sambhaji’s final stand, showcasing his steadfast refusal to submit to Aurangzeb, which remains one of the most powerful moments in history. The battle choreography is another highlight, with meticulously designed fight sequences that effectively capture the chaos and intensity of war.
Drawbacks
Despite its visual grandeur, Chhaava struggles with a few narrative shortcomings. The political intrigue within the Maratha empire, particularly the role of Soyarabai and other internal factions, is not explored in sufficient detail. The screenplay misses an opportunity to showcase the strategic mind of Sambhaji beyond his battlefield heroics. Rashmika Mandanna’s character, Yesubai, is given limited space to shine, and her dialogue delivery feels disconnected, possibly due to dubbing issues. Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Aurangzeb, while menacing, occasionally dips into exaggerated villainy, particularly with his repetitive execution of messengers, which borders on unintentional comedy. Additionally, the film’s pacing dips in the first half, slowing down the momentum before picking up in the latter portion.
Performances
Vicky Kaushal dominates the screen with a powerful performance, embodying the grit and intensity of Sambhaji Maharaj. His physical transformation, coupled with his commanding presence, makes him a convincing warrior king. However, while his action sequences are riveting, the film does not offer enough moments to explore Sambhaji’s more nuanced qualities. Rashmika Mandanna portrays Yesubai with grace, but her role is largely relegated to the sidelines. Vineet Kumar Singh shines as Kavi Kalash, bringing warmth and depth to his portrayal of the poet-warrior. Akshaye Khanna, under heavy prosthetics, delivers a calculated performance as Aurangzeb, though his character’s over-the-top cruelty at times undermines his menace. Ashutosh Rana, as Hambirao Mohite, delivers a solid performance, while Divya Dutta, as the scheming Soyarabai, is underutilized.
Technical Aspects
The film’s production values are top-notch, with grand set designs and elaborate battle sequences that effectively recreate the era. Saurabh Goswami’s cinematography captures the sweeping landscapes and the gritty battlefield clashes with precision. The editing by Manish Pradhan ensures the second half maintains a gripping pace, though the first half could have been tighter. AR Rahman’s background score adds gravitas to the film, but the inclusion of electric guitar elements in crucial sequences feels jarring and out of place for a historical drama. A more traditional Indian orchestration would have been more fitting. The costume and production design successfully transport the audience to the late 17th century, lending authenticity to the film’s visual storytelling.
Verdict
Chhaava is an engaging historical action film that thrives on its battle sequences and Vicky Kaushal’s commanding performance. However, it falls short of being a comprehensive biopic, as it largely focuses on Sambhaji’s military campaigns while overlooking the deeper complexities of his reign and personality. While the film is a treat for action lovers and history enthusiasts, those expecting a more layered exploration of Sambhaji’s legacy might find it lacking. Nevertheless, as a cinematic tribute to one of India’s bravest warrior kings, Chhaava is a compelling watch, even if it leaves some aspects of his story untold.
