Laxman Utekar’s film, Chhaava, is making waves as it portrays the tumultuous life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Based on the Marathi novel Chhava by Shivaji Govind Samrat, the film delivers stunning visuals, yet it grapples with narrative depth.
Opening with the dramatic news of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s death reaching Aurangzeb’s court, the film quickly plunges viewers down the rabbit hole of the Maratha conflict against Mughal forces. Unlike his courtiers who see this as cause for optimism, Aurangzeb, portrayed by Akshaye Khanna, feels the weight of losing his worthy opponent. This compelling start establishes the stakes for the ensuing drama.
Vicky Kaushal’s performance as Sambhaji Maharaj is the emotional core of the film. His portrayal is not just intense; it carries the visceral charge expected of warriors and leaders. "I am fortunate to play the role of Chhatrapati Maharaj... every child should know how we should live," Kaushal expressed during promotions, underscoring the importance of his role.
While Kaushal commands the screen with his physical and emotional presence, critiques highlight the film's reliance on martial displays over nuanced storytelling. Many reviews note the lack of depth, indicating the film presents the Marathas as heroic without exploring the intricacies of their plight fully. Despite its breathtaking action sequences—remarkably choreographed and filmed—the story risks feeling like merely background noise to the action rather than central to the narrative.
Akshaye Khanna, as Aurangzeb, enhances the film with his subtle yet powerful performance. Despite limited screen presence, his character conveys complex ambition and rivalry. Unfortunately, this dynamic is shallowly explored, as the script does not facilitate significant exchanges between these historical titans beyond the battlefield.
Critics also point out the film's shortcomings concerning its supporting cast. Rashmika Mandanna and Diana Penty, playing Yesubai and Zinat-un-Nissa Begum respectively, are visually impressive but lack sufficient narrative development. Veteran actors such as Ashutosh Rana and Divya Dutta also find their talents underutilized—relegated to mere background roles instead of being pivotal to the story.
The film's music, composed by the maestro A.R. Rahman, has also drawn mixed reactions. Fans anticipated a score to complement the film’s historical depth, yet some felt it veered too contemporary, detracting from the immersive experience of the historical setting.
Despite the criticisms, Chhaava made its mark at the box office, grossing ₹13.81 crore on its opening day. The film garnered remarkable audience turnout, with 32.51% Hindi occupancy. This strong performance outpaced competitors such as Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force and Himesh Reshammiya’s Badass Ravi Kumar, signaling significant public interest.
Alia Bhatt was quick to express her admiration for Kaushal's performance on Instagram, praising it as unforgettable: "Vicky Kaushal! What are you? Cannot get over your performance in Chhaava!" She also commended the entire cast, particularly highlighting Akshaye Khanna's skilled portrayal of the Mughal emperor.
Katrina Kaif, praising her husband’s work alongside director Laxman Utekar, expressed on social media, "What a cinematic experience... I'm at a loss for words at the impact of this film," applauding the storytelling and emotional depth of the last moments of the film.
With its initial success, Chhaava has set the stage for potential longevity at the box office. Critics suggest it must now navigate competition from upcoming releases to maintain momentum. Whether it capitalizes on its initial appeal will determine if it emerges as one of the outstanding films of 2025 or fades from view.
While the film has drawn mixed reviews, it successfully transports its audience to the battlegrounds of the 17th century, inviting them to witness the fierce spirit of the Maratha warrior king, Sambhaji Maharaj. If the word-of-mouth support continues to build, Chhaava might evolve from merely being a notable cinematic experience to being recognized as a significant historical epic.