‘Chhaava’, directed by Laxman Utekar, is a historical war drama that brings to life the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. Starring Vicky Kaushal in the titular role and Akshaye Khanna as the formidable Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the film attempts to deliver an epic tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of Swaraj.
But does it succeed? Well, the journey to its high points is an uneven one.
A Story of War, Honor, and Sacrifice
The film revolves around the battle between Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb, who is aggressively expanding his empire. Aurangzeb, played with intensity by Akshaye Khanna, vows not to wear his crown again until Sambhaji is defeated. This sets the stage for an epic showdown between two powerful forces in Indian history.
The screenplay is based on Shivaji Sawant’s novel ‘Chhaava’, and it ticks all the right boxes for a grand historical drama—powerful war cries, massive battle sequences, and intricate sets that stay true to the era. However, despite its majestic scale, the film struggles to create an emotional connection in the first half.
A Slow Start That Tests Patience
From the opening scenes, Vicky Kaushal’s Sambhaji is introduced as a fearless warrior, rescuing a child amid chaos. But while the frames are grand, the emotions don’t quite land. The film takes too long to build its central conflict, and the excessive action sequences, rather than adding to the intensity, begin to border on monotony.
However, things change for the better when Akshaye Khanna’s Aurangzeb enters the picture. His menacing presence brings a new layer of tension and urgency that was missing before.
Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna Deliver Powerhouse Performances
If there’s one thing that holds ‘Chhaava’ together, it’s the performances.
• Vicky Kaushal fully transforms into Sambhaji Maharaj, embodying his strength, aggression, and unbreakable spirit. His body language, dialogue delivery, and battle sequences are flawless, especially in the film’s climactic moments.
• Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb is riveting. He brings depth and ruthlessness to the role, making the conflict feel more engaging.
• The supporting cast does a commendable job, but the film truly comes alive in its last hour, where the face-off between Sambhaji and Aurangzeb delivers the impact audiences were waiting for.
Final Verdict: A Film That Finds Its Strength Late
‘Chhaava’ is a film of two halves. The first half lacks emotional depth, despite its grand visuals and action-packed sequences. But once the conflict intensifies, the performances—especially by Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna—steer the film in the right direction.
The final hour is where ‘Chhaava’ truly shines, offering some of Vicky Kaushal’s best moments on screen. If you can endure the slow build-up, the climactic battle and confrontations make the wait worthwhile.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
If you’re a fan of historical dramas, war epics, or Vicky Kaushal’s performances, ‘Chhaava’ is worth a watch—just be prepared for a bumpy ride before it reaches its peak.
