Chhaava Movie Review | Vicky Kaushal’s Fierce Avatar as Sambhaji Maharaj

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Another week, another Friday, and another new release! This time, I caught Chhaava in theaters, hoping for a solid cinematic experience. Unfortunately, despite its potential, the film doesn’t quite deliver the impact one would expect from a historical epic.

A Grand Story That Falls Short

Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, adapted from Shivaji Sawant’s novel of the same name. However, as an adaptation, it takes significant creative liberties that don’t always work in the film’s favor. While the events follow a certain historical timeline, the exaggerated and over-the-top execution makes it difficult to take them seriously.

Hindi cinema often aims for grandeur, and while that’s understandable, there’s a fine line between artistic liberty and sheer implausibility. Unfortunately, Chhaava crosses that line more than once.

Vicky Kaushal Shines Despite a Flawed Film

One of the strongest aspects of Chhaava is Vicky Kaushal’s performance as Sambhaji Maharaj. It was evident from the trailer itself that he would bring intensity to the role, and he does exactly that. Kaushal is known for his dedication to character-driven roles, and here too, he delivers with sincerity. However, the film’s tone forces him to go slightly overboard, which makes some of his scenes feel a little too loud.

Apart from Kaushal, the film boasts an impressive supporting cast.

Ashutosh Rana – Although his role is brief, he elevates every scene he’s in. His presence is like a warm hug, making his interactions with Kaushal particularly memorable.

Vineet Kumar Singh – A powerhouse performer, Singh once again proves his acting mettle.

Akshay Kumar Khanna as Aurangzeb – This is perhaps the most surprising performance in the film. Known for his subtle yet impactful acting, Khanna transforms himself completely. From his body language to his dialogue delivery, everything about his portrayal of Aurangzeb is remarkable. The hair and makeup team deserves a special mention for enhancing his look without making it feel overdone.

Technically Sound but Narratively Weak

While Chhaava excels in production design, costumes, and hair & makeup, the writing and editing leave much to be desired. The film suffers from inconsistent pacing, with disjointed sequences that fail to create an immersive narrative. Some moments feel stretched unnecessarily, while others lack context, making it hard to track the timeline.

For instance, one of the most glaring issues is the passage of time. A character ages from 5 to 14 years, yet Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna look exactly the same. Such details make it difficult to stay invested in the story.

The action sequences are another mixed bag. While they are visually engaging, they lack tactical depth. Instead of smart war strategies, the film gives us repetitive fight sequences—one in the trees, one in the fields, one in the water—without adding much to the overall story.

Unnecessary Exaggeration

Historical epics demand a balance between realism and cinematic spectacle. While a film like RRR can get away with extreme action because it exists in a fictionalized world, Chhaava is based on real events. Watching Sambhaji single-handedly push back hundreds of enemies for an extended sequence felt completely unrealistic. There are better ways to showcase a warrior’s might than resorting to such over-the-top heroics.

Final Verdict – Watch for the Performances, Skip for the Story

At its core, Chhaava had the potential to be a gripping historical drama, but weak writing and exaggerated storytelling weigh it down. The film is worth watching for the performances—especially Vicky Kaushal, Akshay Khanna, and Ashutosh Rana—but not necessarily on the big screen.

If you’re a fan of period action dramas, you might enjoy the spectacle. But if you’re looking for a well-crafted historical film, this one might leave you disappointed.

Have you watched Chhaava? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Filmy Fool for more honest reviews.

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