The Aspirational Approach of Laxman Utekar towards Shivaji’s Legacy – Success or Failure? Come and Read the Chronicle!
In a year completed with biopics and period dramas, Chhaava blasts onto the screen like an elephant – bold, massive, and unforgiving. Directed by Utekar Laxman, featuring Vicky Kaushal playing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son Sambhaji, this modern history is a fusion of swords, colonial power, and trauma. But does it rise above the cliches of the genre? Buckle up – this review is a rollercoaster!
The Good, The Bad, The Bloody
What Works:
Vicky Kaushal’s Career-Best Act: Kaushal fully transforms into his on screen character. He captures the essence of Sambhaji’s reluctant transformation from a prince to a deeply pained warrior with extraordinary passion. His final monologue, delivered chained in Mughal captivity, will haunt you.
Rashmika Mandanna’s Surprising Depth: She completely transforms into Sambhaji’s fiery queen, and in the process, completely sheds her girl next door persona Yesubai. Her battle strategy scene with Akshaye Khanna (Aurangzeb) is a masterclass in quiet defiance.
Visual Grandeur: Each increment of frames such as the extravagant Mughal courts and island’s cliff top forts of Maharashtra are framed and beautified as a painting.
Shot in black and white, the Siege of Panhala sequence is simply pure cinematic adrenaline.
What Doesn’t:
Pacing Whiplash: In the second act, which runs for about two hours and four minutes, the dull romances slash subplots make it drag.
Historical Liberties: People who lean towards the purist ideology may not survive the made up wars between Shivaji and Sambhaji (Ajay Devgn’s virtually stoic appearance).
Blood Overload: The violence exceeds R-rated levels (think Tanhaji meets Game of Thrones) which on one side is breathtaking but on the other side may completely alienate family audiences.
Vicky Kaushal: His commitment to the role is astounding – from one hand grasping a bleeding wound to the other swinging a sword, but his eyes – flickering between rage and vulnerability did leave me shattered. That is Oscar worthy material.
Akshaye Khanna: As Aurangzeb, he was no cartoonish villain. Khanna plays him as a calculating, almost pitiable tyrant, torn between faith and ambition.
Surprise MVP: Ashutosh Rana The veteran actor, as a scheming Mughal general, was so brilliant that I nearly fell from witnessing him bang out bone-chilling dialogues he gnarled out.
Laxman Utekar’s Gamble: From Rom-Coms to War Drums
Utekar nailed it. Known for romcoms like Luka Chuppi and Mimi, his switch from history to humor was astounding, though blurry action scenes at the battles showed his inexperience. Focusing on Sambhaji’s clashes in morality as opposed to glorious heroism of history was a challenge.
Music And Mood: Something To Talk About Ajay Atul’s Background Score: The Marathi Maestros add to scenes and moments by elevating them, especially the sing of “Jaanta Raja” during Sambhaji’s capture is most haunting. Item Song Blunder: The Punjabi rendition titled Nakhre Nawab as sung by Nora Fateh, feels awfully jarring considering this is a grim narrative. Audience Reactions: Tears, Cheers And Fury Vicky deserves a National Award! I sobbed through his final scene! Angry comment on YouTube: Why turn Sambhaji’s life into a blood bath? Disrespectful! Rashmika > Deepika in Padmaawat. Fight me! Instagram Reel Everybody on social media seems to be torn on this. Should You Watch? The Final Verdict Chhaava is not a great film, but it is an important one. For Vicky Kaushal’s thundering performance alone, it is worth the ticket to watch but just leave the kids at home. Rating: 3.5/5 For Fans Of: Tanhaji, Baahubali and these kind of stories that stab you in the chest.
