Movie Rating: 3/5 Stars (It’s actually beyond those stars)
Movie Review by RATAN SRIVASTAVA
Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, aspires to be a cinematic tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj—a warrior whose courage and defiance against the Mughal Empire remain unparalleled. While the intent is commendable, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The Narrative & Direction
Following Sardar Udham and Sam Bahadur, Vicky Kaushal has set an unshakable standard, raising expectations sky-high. While the teaser, trailer, and album launch built immense anticipation, the film falters in delivering an emotionally gripping experience. The most glaring misstep is the absence of an authentic Marathi dialect, which disconnects the narrative from its historical essence. A film about a Maratha warrior should embody linguistic and cultural authenticity—without it, the immersion feels incomplete.
Director Laxman Utekar, known for mid-budget rom-coms like Luka Chuppi, Mimi, and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, takes a leap into the period genre with a ₹130 crore budget. While his ambition is praiseworthy, crafting a historical epic demands precision, and errors in execution dilute its impact. In an era where audiences have a shrinking attention span and higher cinematic expectations, the margin for mistakes is minimal.
Performances
Vicky Kaushal delivers yet another stellar performance, embodying Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj with sheer intensity. He doesn’t just act—he roars, carrying the film on his shoulders. His unwavering commitment makes even the most exaggerated moments feel compelling. His screen presence is magnetic, and his battle sequences exude raw power.
Rashmika Mandanna, despite evident dedication, appears miscast as Yesubai Bhosale. The push for pan-Indian appeal should never come at the cost of authenticity. Casting should be driven by an actor’s ability to do justice to a character’s historical and cultural depth, rather than their marketability.
Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Aurangzeb is spine-chilling—he commands hatred the moment he steps onto the screen. However, seasoned actors like Ashutosh Rana, Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat, Divya Dutta, and Diana Penty remain underutilized, leaving one to wonder what could have been.
The Highlight
The true soul of Chhaava lies in a mesmerizing 40-45 minute poetry sequence between Kavi Kalash (Vineet Kumar Singh) and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. This segment alone captures the depth and poetic valor the film aims for. Utekar’s faith in Vineet Kumar Singh pays off, delivering a cinematic explosion of emotion and artistry.
The Conclusion
My anticipation for Chhaava was driven by three elements: Vicky Kaushal’s commanding presence, A.R. Rahman’s evocative background score, and his mesmerizing compositions that elevate the film’s grandeur. While Chhaava boasts moments of brilliance, its inconsistencies prevent it from achieving true cinematic greatness. A tribute to warriors demands authenticity, and unfortunately, that crucial element feels lost in translation.