Bollywood blockbuster Chhava creates waves in box office - Movie Review

 

Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava continues its remarkable box office run, maintaining strong collections even after 15 days. The historical action drama, which vividly portrays the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has not only surpassed ₹400 crore net in India but also crossed ₹560 crore worldwide, making it the 14th Indian film to reach this milestone.

Helmed by Laxman Utekar, the film’s spectacular visuals, compelling narrative, and outstanding performances have resonated with audiences, driving its unstoppable success at the box office.

History books extensively cover the legendary exploits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, but his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, often remains in the shadows. Laxman Utekar’s film Chhava brings to the forefront the unparalleled bravery of Sambhaji, the warrior who defied the mighty Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for nine relentless years. Known as Chhava (meaning "a lion’s cub"), his mere roar was enough to unite the Marathas against the Mughal empire. This historical drama is inspired by renowned Marathi author Shivaji Sawant’s novel Chhava.

The Story of ‘Chhava’

Following the demise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Aurangzeb assumes that his path to conquering the Deccan is now unchallenged. However, he is oblivious to the fact that Shivaji’s fearless and determined 24-year-old son, Sambhaji (played by Vicky Kaushal), is unwavering in his mission to uphold his father’s vision of Swarajya. Standing firmly by his side is his devoted wife (portrayed by Rashmika Mandanna), who shares his dream.

Sambhaji, along with his trusted general, Hambirrao Mohite (Ashutosh Rana), and a battalion of brave warriors, launches a daring attack on the strategically significant Mughal stronghold of Burhanpur. The Maratha army delivers a crushing blow to the Mughal forces, shaking the foundation of Aurangzeb’s empire. This victory marks the beginning of an intense nine-year-long resistance, where Sambhaji and his army continue to ambush and weaken the Mughal forces, unraveling Aurangzeb’s carefully crafted strategies.

As time passes, Sambhaji becomes a relentless thorn in Aurangzeb’s side. Despite the Mughal emperor’s numerous conspiracies and tactical maneuvers, he fails to subdue the Maratha warrior. However, betrayal from within ultimately leads to Sambhaji’s downfall. He is ambushed and captured by Aurangzeb at Sangameshwar, leading to his imprisonment. Subjected to inhuman torture, will the lion-hearted warrior surrender to his adversary? The answer lies within the film’s gripping narrative.

A Cinematic Spectacle

Right from the first intense battle sequence, the film establishes its tone and highlights Sambhaji’s fearless and aggressive warrior spirit. The initial half takes its time to build the characters and narrative, but the second half delivers a thrilling, high-stakes drama. However, the film prioritizes showcasing Sambhaji’s heroism over delving deeply into his backstory, which might leave some viewers yearning for a stronger emotional arc.

That being said, the action sequences are nothing short of breathtaking. The film masterfully depicts the guerrilla warfare tactics used by the Marathas to outmaneuver the Mughal army. The climactic battle scene, in particular, stands out as the highlight of the film, portraying Sambhaji’s unwavering resilience even in the face of excruciating torture. With powerful dialogues like “Hum shor nahi karte, seedha shikar karte hain” (We don’t make noise; we go straight for the kill), the film ensures its impact lingers.

Backed by A.R. Rahman’s music, the film boasts a powerful soundtrack. The song Aaya Re Toofan aligns perfectly with the theme, but Jaane Tu feels somewhat out of place given the historical setting. The background score amplifies the film’s intensity, enhancing key moments.

Despite being a skilled cinematographer himself, Laxman Utekar entrusts Saurabh Goswami with the task, and the result is stunning visuals that enrich the storytelling. The grandeur of the battle scenes, the authenticity of the set designs, and the detailed cinematography make Chhava a visually compelling experience.

Vicky Kaushal delivers what can be considered one of his career’s finest performances. He breathes life into Sambhaji Maharaj, embodying his fierceness, determination, and unwavering loyalty to Swarajya. His performance, particularly in the film’s opening and climax, is mesmerizing, capturing the warrior’s intensity with perfection.

Akshaye Khanna, portraying Aurangzeb, impresses with his commanding presence, sharp one-liners, and meticulously crafted expressions. His transformation, aided by prosthetic makeup, adds depth to his character. Ashutosh Rana as Hambirrao Mohite delivers an equally compelling performance, while Vineet Kumar, as poet Kalash, leaves a lasting impression.

However, the female characters are underutilized. Despite being a powerhouse performer, Divya Dutta’s role feels wasted. Rashmika Mandanna does justice to her part but struggles with dialogue delivery. Diana Penty’s character, too, lacks depth and engagement, reducing her presence to a handful of lines. The supporting cast, however, remains strong and well-cast.

Chhava is an ambitious and visually spectacular retelling of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s heroic saga. While the film excels in its action sequences, cinematography, and lead performances, it falls slightly short on emotional depth and narrative complexity. Nevertheless, Vicky Kaushal’s power-packed portrayal and the grand battle sequences make it a must-watch for history and action enthusiasts alike.