Chhava Movie Review: A Cinematic Tribute to Sambhaji Maharaj

Introduction to Chhava

"Chhaava," a historical drama directed by Laxman Utekar, is a cinematic tribute to the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, portrayed by Vicky Kaushal. The movie, which released on February 14, 2025, has created a stir among movie enthusiasts and history buffs alike. News Drishti provides an in-depth review of the film's highlights, performances, and controversies in the following.

A Powerful Narrative with Strong Performances

The film documents the ups and downs in the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the fearless son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Vicky Kaushal gives a spine-tingling performance and brings out the warrior's nature with impressive intensity. His body transformation, which involved gaining 25 kg, is a testament to his commitment towards the character. News Drishti observes that his performance brings out the emotional as well as strategic dilemmas of the historical figure to the forefront.

Rashmika Mandanna, who plays Maharani Yesubai, contributes depth to the narrative through an emotive performance. Simultaneously, Akshaye Khanna's performance as Aurangzeb lends an intriguing presence, allowing for a properly balanced antagonist of this historical drama.

Historical Controversies and Backlash

In spite of its grandness, "Chhaava" has not remained controversy-free. One specific scene showing Sambhaji Maharaj dancing had to face tough criticism from historians and viewers, who considered it historically incorrect. The backlash led the filmmakers to delete the scene, a decision that News Drishti thinks is necessary and important in the interest of maintaining historical authenticity.

Another point of dispute has been that the term "Hindavi Swarajya" would not be included in conversations, a term synonymous with Maratha history. All the fans on the ground criticized this move on social media as it took away from the actual vision of Sambhaji Maharaj. News Drishti understands and appreciates historical accuracy when relating stories and would know why viewers have felt a need for such.

Cinematic Excellence and Music

Technically, the movie has breathtaking cinematography and majestic production design, which perfectly replicates the 17th-century Maratha Empire. The battle scenes are simply breathtaking, further enhancing the immersive nature of the movie.

The background music, written by A.R. Rahman, has been met with divided opinions. While some opine that it adds to the emotional quotient, others think that it is not powerful enough for such a serious historical drama. News Drishti likes the effort of the film in providing a visually stunning experience, although the soundtrack could have been more effective.

Final Verdict: Worth Watching?

"Chhaava" is a compelling attempt at retelling the story of one of India’s greatest warriors. While it excels in performances and visual storytelling, historical inconsistencies have sparked debates. For fans of epic dramas, it remains a must-watch, provided they approach it with a balanced perspective.

At News Drishti, we think that "Chhaava" is a great contribution to Indian historical cinema, even with its shortcomings. If you're a history buff or a movie buff, this film will leave you with an impression!