CHHAAVA FULL MOVIE REVIEW

 CHHAAVA FULL MOVIE REVIEW

Chhaava," directed by Laxman Utekar, is a 2025 Hindi-language historical action film that delves into the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Confederacy. Adapted from Shivaji Sawant's Marathi novel "Chhava," the film features Vicky Kaushal in the titular role, with Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhonsale and Akshaye Khanna portraying Aurangzeb.

The narrative chronicles Sambhaji's ascent to power following the death of his father, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, highlighting his military strategies, personal sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of Swaraj (self-rule) against the Mughal Empire. Utekar's direction captures the grandeur of the Maratha empire, presenting a tapestry of intense battle sequences, court intrigues, and the profound personal struggles of its characters.

Vicky Kaushal delivers a compelling performance as Sambhaji, embodying the warrior king's valor and determination. His portrayal has been lauded for bringing depth and authenticity to the historical figure. Rashmika Mandanna, as Yesubai, offers a nuanced performance, capturing the strength and resilience of the queen. Akshaye Khanna's depiction of Aurangzeb provides a formidable antagonist, adding tension and complexity to the narrative.

The film's musical score, composed by A.R. Rahman, complements the epic scale of the story, with tracks like "Jaane Tu" and "Aaya Re Toofan" resonating with audiences. The cinematography by Saurabh Goswami enhances the visual storytelling, capturing the expansive landscapes and intricate details of the period setting.

Upon its release on February 14, 2025, "Chhaava" garnered a range of critical responses. Prasanna Zore of Rediff awarded the film 4 out of 5 stars, noting that while it may be "historically half-baked," it deserves commendation for its attempt to portray Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's story. Amit Bhatia of ABP Live also gave it 4 stars, praising Vicky Kaushal's performance for bringing history to life. Conversely, Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express rated it 2.5 stars, describing the film as "ultra-loud, ultra-violent, and exhausting," despite Kaushal's committed performance. Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV echoed this sentiment, also giving it 2.5 stars and suggesting that the film possesses greater depth than its treatment implies.

In summary, "Chhaava" stands as a significant cinematic endeavor, shedding light on a pivotal chapter in Maratha history. While it has faced criticism for certain narrative choices, the film's strengths lie in its powerful performances, especially by Vicky Kaushal, and its ambitious portrayal of a legendary warrior's legacy.

Overall the film is good and the cinematography is quiet great and you can definitely watch it in the theatres. It will be a visual spectacle to watch.