Chhava movie review: Vicky Kaushal’s Ambitious Portrayal of a Maratha Warrior Falls Short of Epic
Chhava movie review: The highly anticipated film Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, hit theaters on February 14, 2025, promising an exploration of the life of Maratha King Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Featuring Vicky Kaushal in the titular role, alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna, the film aims to shed light on a historical figure often overshadowed by his father, the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Despite its strong intentions and commendable performances, particularly by Kaushal, Chhaava struggles to deliver the emotional depth and engagement that such a grand story deserves.
Setting the Scene
The film opens with a dramatic and visually intense scene, introducing Chhaava in chains, delivering a monologue to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, portrayed by Akshaye Khanna. This moment sets the tone for the film, which seeks to depict the struggles and triumphs of Sambhaji Maharaj. However, Aurangzeb’s dismissive response—“Maza nahi aaya” (I did not enjoy)—aptly reflects the experience of watching this lengthy, 2-hour-40-minute drama.
Chhaava aspires to present a nuanced portrayal of a historical figure whose legacy is often eclipsed by his father’s. The audience is invited to witness the complexities of Sambhaji’s rise and fall, yet the execution fails to create the necessary emotional connection to engage viewers fully.
Ambitious Direction Meets Emotional Disconnect
Director Laxman Utekar embarks on an ambitious journey to bring Sambhaji Maharaj’s story to life. The film’s intention is commendable, but it suffers from a lack of emotional resonance. The initial scenes, particularly the over-choreographed introductory sequence, feel drawn out and contrived. Attempting to replicate the dramatic flair of films like 300, Utekar employs slow-motion shots, intense close-ups, and elaborate fight sequences that ultimately come off as excessive rather than impactful.
Fortunately, the second half of the film improves significantly in both pacing and coherence. It begins to address the disjointedness of the first act, offering a clearer narrative direction. Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Aurangzeb is a highlight, as he embodies the character with a combination of physicality and subtlety. The use of prosthetics enhances his appearance, while his expressive eyes convey a wealth of emotion, even with minimal dialogue.
Rashmika Mandanna’s character serves as Chhaava’s emotional anchor, but her development feels rushed and insufficient. Despite her best efforts to inject depth into her role, the abrupt shifts in her character arc limit her ability to fully engage with the audience. This lack of cohesion in character development is a recurring issue throughout the film.
Narrative Structure and Execution
Chhaava struggles with its narrative structure, as the story jumps between timelines without sufficient clarity, making it difficult for viewers to follow the characters’ journeys. This disorientation hampers the emotional impact of key moments, including battles and character deaths, leaving audiences feeling detached from the unfolding drama.
The film’s background score further complicates matters, often drowning out crucial dialogues and emotional nuances. The music, instead of enhancing the viewing experience, becomes a distraction, pulling focus away from the characters’ struggles. Additionally, the songs lack memorability, failing to resonate with the film’s themes and emotional weight.
While the dialogues may appear straightforward on paper, the execution falters, becoming entangled in its own complexities. Despite these shortcomings, Chhaava is not entirely devoid of redeeming qualities. Several poignant moments, driven by Vicky Kaushal’s passionate performance, breathe life into the narrative. His dedication to the role is evident, as he embodies the spirit of a warrior facing insurmountable odds.
A Disturbing Climax
The climax of Chhaava stands out as one of the film’s most striking elements, delivering a level of violence and brutality reminiscent of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. This unflinching portrayal of Sambhaji’s torture is intended to underscore his loyalty to his people and land. However, the graphic nature of these scenes may prove unsettling for some viewers, raising questions about the necessity of such depictions in conveying the character’s struggles.
Ultimately, Vicky Kaushal’s performance remains the film’s saving grace. His commitment to his craft is unparalleled, allowing him to navigate the complexities of Sambhaji’s character. While Chhaava may not strive to be groundbreaking, it successfully traverses mainstream cinema without completely succumbing to the distractions of its own narrative.
A Mixed Bag of Ambition and Execution
In summary, Chhaava presents an ambitious attempt to illuminate the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a historical figure deserving of recognition. While the film showcases Vicky Kaushal’s exceptional talent and dedication, it ultimately falls short of delivering the emotional impact and narrative coherence necessary to engage viewers fully.
Director Laxman Utekar’s vision, though earnest, suffers from execution flaws, including pacing issues, character development inconsistencies, and an overwhelming background score. The film’s strengths lie in its compelling moments and powerful performances, particularly Kaushal’s portrayal of a warrior facing adversity.
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For those interested in historical narratives and epic storytelling, Chhaava may offer a worthwhile experience, especially for Vicky Kaushal’s performance. However, audiences seeking a deeply resonant emotional journey may find themselves wanting more from this ambitious portrayal of a Maratha king whose legacy is worth exploring. As the credits roll, viewers are left contemplating the potential of the story, wondering if it could have roared instead of merely growling.