Chhaava (2025) Movie Review: Vicky Kaushal's Powerful Performance, AR Rahman's Bad Score and Historical Inaccuracies

Chhaava is a historical epic that centers around the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the fearless son of Shivaji Maharaj, and his steadfast efforts to protect the Maratha Empire. While the film delivers powerful performances, especially from Vicky Kaushal, it has faced mixed reactions for its portrayal of historical events and characters.

Story & Direction:

Director Laxman Utekar crafts a film that is both visually stunning and narratively intense. The story attempts to showcase Sambhaji Maharaj’s battle for the Maratha kingdom against the Mughal forces. However, despite the gripping premise, the film is often criticized for its creative liberties with history. A controversial scene involving a dance sequence by Sambhaji Maharaj, which was later removed due to backlash, drew accusations of diluting the character’s integrity. Additionally, the omission of key Maratha ideologies like "Hindavi Swarajya" left many fans disappointed.

Performances:

Vicky Kaushal delivers a powerful and heartfelt performance as Sambhaji Maharaj, capturing both his ruthless warrior spirit and his emotional complexity. His commitment to the role is clear and is the film’s strongest asset. However, the supporting cast that including Rashmika Mandanna, Akshyae Khanna, Ashutosh Raana, Divya Dutta, Diana Penty, and Vineet Kumar Singh failed to make as much of an impact as Kaushal’s central performance.

Cinematography & Music:

The cinematography is a highlight, with large-scale battle sequences and sweeping landscapes that bring the Maratha era to life. The music by AR Rahman, too, enhances the emotional depth of the story, although some critics have noted that it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming during the intense action scenes.

Historical Inaccuracies:

One of the most significant criticisms Chhaava faces is its historical inaccuracies. Fans have pointed out issues such as a scene depicting Sambhaji Maharaj dancing, which they argue is inconsistent with his historical persona. Additionally, there is discontent over the omission of the term "Hindavi Swarajya," central to Maratha identity, leading to accusations of diluting Sambhaji Maharaj's vision. 

In response to the backlash, director Laxman Utekar confirmed the removal of the controversial dance sequence from the film.

Verdict:

Chhaava is a film that delivers on visual spectacle and strong performances but falters when it comes to historical fidelity. It’s a commendable attempt to bring the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj to the screen, but it’s not without its flaws. Fans of historical dramas and Vicky Kaushal’s acting will find it worthwhile, but those seeking a more authentic portrayal of Maratha history may leave the theater feeling dissatisfied.

⭐ Rating: 3/5